Pest monitoring system with conductive electrodes

ABSTRACT

A pest monitoring system generally includes a circuit, wherein the circuit is initially in a first impedance state that is configured to change to a second impedance state due to pest activity, wherein the second impedance state is lower than the first impedance state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/670,248, filed May 11, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No.62/544,428, filed Aug. 11, 2017; and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/529,681, filed Jul. 7, 2017, each of which is incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to pest monitoring systems and,more particularly, to pest monitoring systems with conductiveelectrodes.

BACKGROUND

Pests can cause damage to raw materials, structures, crops, food,livestock, and other human concerns. Conventional pest monitoringapparatuses often facilitate locating, deterring, and/or eradicatingpests by deploying an attractant (or bait) that the pests are inclinedto chew for purposes of collection and/or consumption.

Many conventional pest monitoring apparatuses must be physicallyinspected (e.g., manually disassembled) to visually determine whether,and to what extent, the pests are chewing (or otherwise depleting) thebait. For example, in current termite monitoring systems, a bait matrix(or matrices) is typically inserted into a physical station housing thatis itself inserted into a cavity in the ground. During foraging,termites searching for food encounter the station, enter the interior ofthe station housing and begin feeding on the edible bait matrix ormatrices. The bait typically consists of non-toxic materials, oralternatively a mixture of non-toxic and toxic materials (i.e. apesticide active ingredient).

Pest monitoring systems may be employed to determine when controltreatments should be applied and/or used, for example, as disclosed inWO 2017/011574, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. The success of a pest monitoring system for the detection ofpests (e.g., termites) depends on its ability to identify the presenceof pests. The relative ability of a system to discern legitimatepresence of pests without false positives (indications that pest arepresent when they are in fact not) or false negatives (indications thatpests are not present when in fact they are) is a key element to arobust and accurate pest presence determination. Improving this systemto quickly identify the presence of pests increases the likelihood ofcontrolling pests, minimizes the risk of incurring damage, and reducesfalse indications of pest presence.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a pest monitoring system generally includes acircuit, wherein the circuit is initially in a first impedance statethat is configured to change to a second impedance state due to pestactivity, wherein the second impedance state is lower than the firstimpedance state.

In another aspect, a pest monitoring system generally includes acircuit, wherein the circuit is initially in a first impedance statethat is configured to change to a second impedance state due to pestactivity, wherein the second impedance state is lower than the firstimpedance state. The system also includes a control unit configured todetermine presence of pests based on a measured electricalcharacteristic of the circuit.

In yet another aspect, a pest monitoring system generally includes abait station, with or without bait, and a central device of a connectedsystem of a structure. The assembled bait station includes a circuit,wherein the circuit is initially in a first impedance state that isconfigured to change to a second impedance state due to pest activity,wherein the second impedance state is lower than the first impedancestate. The bait station also includes a control unit configured totransmit a pest presence signal based on a detected change in impedance.The central device is configured to receive the pest presence signalfrom the bait station.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a pestmonitoring system;

FIG. 2A is a vertical cross-section of a bait station of the pestmonitoring system of FIG. 1, the bait station having an electrodeassembly;

FIG. 2B is a vertical, cross-section of a bait station of the pestmonitoring system of the present invention, in partial connection ofsensor assembly to station housing;

FIG. 3 is top perspective of material applied to the electrode assemblyof FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a pest monitoring or detection system usinga magnet to activate a magnetic reed switch on a bait station or a datacollection system;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a control unit of the bait station or datacollection system that includes a magnetic reed switch or an ultrasonicswitch;

FIG. 6 is an illustration showing one example of a pest monitoringnetwork that provides a communication pathway for the pest monitoringand detection system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows one example of a data communication pathway for the pestmonitoring and detection system of FIG. 1 when data is hosted on andflow through a connected network such as, e.g., a Home SecurityCompany's data network to a Data Management Company;

FIG. 8 shows another example of a data communication pathway thatdiffers from the process of FIG. 7 in that an auxiliary data managementcompany also receives pest monitoring/detection data;

FIG. 9 shows another example of a data communication pathway thatdiffers from the process of FIG. 7 in that the pest monitoring/detectiondata is managed by the Home Security Company itself, i.e. without usingan additional Data Management Company; data may also be forwarded to anauxiliary data management company;

FIG. 10 shows another example of a data communication pathway wherestation data is received via wireless connection (or wired connection)by a gateway;

FIG. 11 shows another example of a data communication pathway thatdiffers from the process of FIG. 10 in that no Home Security Companywould be involved;

FIG. 12 shows another example of a data communication pathway comprisingan on-site inspection using a mobile device as the communication portalto communicate with the gateway;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary bait matrix that may beused with the pest monitoring system shown in FIG. 1 including aconductive bait matrix and a nonconductive bait matrix;

FIG. 14 shows the conductive bait matrix shown in FIG. 13 having astructurally inhomogeneous surface;

FIG. 15 is a transverse cross-section of the bait matrix shown in FIG.13;

FIG. 16 is a transverse cross-section of another embodiment of the baitmatrix shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 17A illustrates a perspective, scaled view of one embodiment of awaterproof member of the present invention;

FIG. 17B illustrates a perspective, scaled view of one embodiment of awaterproof member of the present invention;

FIG. 18A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of awaterproof member of the present invention;

FIG. 18B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of awaterproof member of the present invention;

FIG. 19A illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of thepresent invention, shown assembled, which includes a bait matrix and anelectrode assembly;

FIG. 19B illustrates a perspective, scaled, cross-sectional view of thepresent invention, which includes a bait matrix, within which isconfigured a waterproof member which holds an electrode assembly;

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective scaled view with partial transparencyof one embodiment of the present invention to illustrate detail of amesh sleeve;

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective scaled view with partial transparencyof one embodiment of a sensor assembly of the present invention toillustrate detail of a power supply;

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective scaled view of one embodiment of asensor assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective scaled view of one embodiment of asensor assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective, scaled view with partialcross-section of one embodiment of a bait station showing a sensorassembly partially connected to a cage frame of the present invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates a cross-section scaled view of one embodiment of acage frame connected to a sensor assembly of the present invention; and

FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective, scaled view of one embodiment of acage frame connected to a sensor assembly of the present invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, a pestmonitoring and/or detecting system (broadly, “pest monitoring system”)according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is generallyindicated by reference numeral 100. In the illustrated embodiment, thesystem 100 is configured for at least monitoring and/or detecting, andin some embodiments controlling, pests, such as, termites (or otherinsects/arthropods). In other contemplated embodiments, however, thesystem 100 may be configured for monitoring and/or detecting, and insome embodiments controlling, other pests such as, for example andwithout limitation, cockroaches, ants or other insects, rats, mice,voles or other rodents, birds, bats, etc.

The system 100 may be used to monitor for pests in a variety ofapplications, including but not limited to, buildings (e.g., residences,offices, storage facilities, warehouses, etc.), walls, driveways,levees/dams, ship yards, docks, bridges, railroad tracks, crops (e.g.,sugar-cane), orchards, ground nuts (e.g., peanuts), and/or any othersuitable application.

The illustrated system 100 includes at least one bait station 102 and agateway 104 located remotely from and capable of communication with thebait station(s) 102 for at least receiving signals from, and in someembodiments for transmitting signals to, the bait station(s) 102 as setforth in more detail below. While the phrase “bait station” may be foundthroughout the present disclosure, the phrase should not be interpretedas requiring a bait component, but rather should be broadly interpretedas serving as the housing for the circuitry herein described capable oftriggering a pest presence signal. In this manner, a bait station shouldbe considered any housing into which one or more pests may gain accessto trigger the pest presence signal. Similarly, a reference to a “baitcage” need not include a bait component. Rather, a “bait cage” serves asa cage frame for containing the electrode assembly and other componentsof the present invention. Suitably, the gateway 104 may include aprocessor-based or microprocessor-based device with associated memory(such as a computer or a microcontroller); or any suitable configurationof a reduced instruction set circuit(s) (RISC), an application-specificintegrated circuit(s) (ASICs), and/or a logic circuit(s). In otherembodiments, the gateway 104 may suitably include any circuit and/orprocessor that is capable of executing the functions of the gateway 104as described herein. In yet another embodiment, the gateway 104 may beintegrated into a connected system, including but not limited to a smarthome system and/or home security panel/system. As used herein, the term“signal” is not limited to a particular type of signaling methodologybut, rather, broadly refers to any suitable type of (preferably)wireless signaling, for example, WiFi or cellular. While a singlegateway 104 is illustrated in FIG. 1, it is understood that a pluralityof gateways 104 may be employed and/or that the gateway(s) 104 may beintegral to another connected system within the structure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the gateway 104 is located in spacedrelationship from each of the bait stations 102 (eight bait stationsbeing illustrated in FIG. 1 but any suitable number of bait stations 102can be used in the system 100). It is understood, however, that thegateway 104 may include the components of and function as a bait station102. Thus, in one suitable embodiment, the gateway 104 and one of thebait stations 102 can be integrated into a common assembly.

In one contemplated embodiment, the pest monitoring system 100 mayinclude a plurality of bait stations 102 deployed at a site formonitoring and/or detecting pest activity (e.g., the perimeter around ahome), and the gateway 104 may be located remotely from and stationaryrelative to the site and may communicate with the bait stations 102 fromthe remote location as set forth in more detail below. In anothercontemplated embodiment, the gateway 104 may be configured for use atthe site (e.g., the gateway 104 may include a suitable handheld device(such as a wireless device or the like) that is moveable relative to thebait station(s) 102 for use by e.g. a technician at the site).

Referring to FIG. 2A, each bait station 102 includes a sensor assembly,indicated generally at 108, and, optionally, a suitable cage frame 101for enclosing and/or housing the bait and electrode assembly as will bedescribed in more detail herein and conjoined to the sensor assembly 108prior to activation at the placement location (e.g., in/above theground). The station housing 109 is configured to permit ingress andegress of termites into and out of the station housing 109 (e.g., viaslits or holes in the station housing) and thereby enable termites tofeed on or otherwise displace an optional bait matrix 124 located withinthe station housing 109 as set forth in more detail below. It isunderstood that the station housing 109 is not required for allembodiments of the bait station 102 and/or for the gateway 104. Afurther feature, with reference to FIG. 2B, includes station housing 109and cap 103 which hold a sensor assembly 108 conjoined to a cage frame101, for ease of transport, handling, and implanting, as well as foraesthetics.

The illustrated sensor assembly 108 generally comprises a sensor holder110, an electrode assembly 126, and a control unit 128. As set forth inmore detail below, the electrode assembly 126 of the illustratedembodiment is adjacent to or surrounded by the bait matrix 124, and thecontrol unit 128 is configured for selectively supplying the electrodeassembly 126 with an electrical stimulus. In particular embodiments, thecontrol unit 128 is also operable to transmit a signal indicative ofpest (termite) presence and/or at least one electrical characteristic ofthe electrode assembly 126 as a function of the electrical stimulusbeing supplied to the electrode assembly 126. In this manner, thecontrol unit 128 facilitates remote monitoring via the gateway 104,which is capable of receiving the signals transmitted by the controlunit 128.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a waterproof member 156 may surround theelectrode assembly 126. FIGS. 17A and 18A illustrate one embodiment.FIGS. 17B and 18B illustrate and alternative embodiment. The invention,therefore, should not be limited to particular shapes or designelements. Waterproof member 156 preferably is made of foam, and mayoptionally include one or more points of interest, such as ribs 125,which serve to further encourage pest exploitation. Waterproof member156 surrounds electrode assembly 126, and, in turn, is surrounded bybait matrix 124. The point of interest ribs 125 may be longitudinal ribsthe length of waterproof member 156, as illustrated in FIG. 17A, orfocused on a portion of the waterproof member 156, such as at the bottomor top, as illustrated in FIGS. 18A and 18B. Further, as shown in moredetail in FIGS. 17 and 18, beveling 127 and dimples 129 offer additionalpoints of interest for pest exploitation.

With reference to FIG. 2A, the illustrated bait matrix 124 is generallytubular (e.g., generally cylindrical with an interior passage in theillustrated embodiment) having a first end surface 130, a second endsurface 132, a circumferential outer surface 134, and a circumferentialinner surface 136 defining an internal cavity 137 of the bait matrix124.

While an embodiment is illustrated as cylindrical, it is understood thatthe bait matrix 124 may be of other suitable shapes. For example, thebait matrix 124 may have a tubular shape that is not generallycylindrical (e.g., the tubular shape may have a substantially polygonalcross-section), and/or the cavity may not extend from the first endsurface 130 to the second end surface 132. In other suitableembodiments, the bait matrix 124 may not be tubular but, rather, may begenerally shaped like a sphere, pyramid, cube or other suitable shape.Regardless of shape, the bait matrix may include points of interest toencourage pest exploitation of the bait matrix 124.

It is also understood that the thickness (i.e. the transverse width fromthe outer surface 134 to the inner surface 136) of the tubular baitmatrix 124 shown in FIG. 2A is for illustration purposes. The thicknessof the bait matrix 124 according to other suitable embodiments may besubstantially greater or substantially smaller than that illustrated.The thickness of the bait matrix 124, however, may be any suitablethickness without departing from the scope of this invention.

In one suitable embodiment, the bait matrix 124 can be made, at least inpart or in whole, from a cellulosic material that is edible ordisplaceable by termites, such as wood, paper, cardboard, etc. In othersuitable embodiments, an agar matrix alone or combined with sugars (i.e.xylose, mannose, galactose, erythritol, aspartame, saccharin) and/orpurified cellulose materials may be used as the bait matrix 124. It iscontemplated that any suitable material that is edible to or can bedisplaced by termites can be used as the bait matrix 124 withoutdeparting from some aspects of this disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 19A, theelectrode assembly 126 is positioned within the internal cavity 137 ofthe bait matrix 124 such that, in some embodiments, the electrodeassembly 126 is surrounded by the bait matrix 124. For example, theelectrode assembly 126 may be any one of surrounded by, embedded within,sealed within, or encased within the bait matrix 124. In other suitableembodiments, the electrode assembly 126 is positioned at least partiallywithin the internal cavity 137 of the bait matrix 124. In other suitableembodiments, the electrode assembly 126 is positioned adjacent to,above, below, nearby, surrounding, or at any other suitable locationrelative to the bait matrix 124.

In one embodiment, the sensor assembly 108 includes a waterproof member156 (e.g., a waterproof, preferably cross-linked, closed cell foamsleeve) surrounding the electrode assembly 126. As used herein,waterproof is generally defined as being water-resistant,moisture-resistant, impermeable, and/or impervious to water. Thewaterproof member 156 is configured to prevent water or moisture fromcontacting the electrode assembly 126 (thereby generating a falseindication of pest presence) until pests actually penetrate theelectrode assembly 126. In this regard, electrode assembly 126 may beconfigured with a sensitivity profile adjusted to minimize further falsepositive signaling. The waterproof member 156, in the embodiment seen inFIGS. 2A and 2B, is generally tubular and is sized to fit within theinternal cavity 137 of the bait matrix 124 defined by thecircumferential inner surface 136. In one embodiment, as shown incross-sectional detail in FIG. 20, an additional mesh sleeve 159surrounds the waterproof member 156 to create cylindrical pressure andensure the internal cavity 137 is waterproof. The mesh sleeve 159preferably is made of polyethylene and offers even pressure and hoopstress about the waterproof member to maintain a tight fit within thebait matrix 124. While the invention should not be considered limitedthereto, the present inventors believe that proximity of bait matrix 124to waterproof member 156, namely direct contact, may improve thelikelihood that termites continue to tunnel from the bait matrix 124 andenter into the waterproof member 156, thereby triggering a signal. Basedon termite behavior, tunneling appears to continue unless or until anopen space is available. Thus, in one embodiment, the bait matrix 124 isconfigured in direct contact with the waterproof member 156.

In other suitable embodiments, the waterproof member 156 may be sizedand shaped to receive the electrode assembly 126 and may be positionedadjacent to, above, below, nearby, surrounding, or at any other suitablelocation relative to the bait matrix 124. In the illustrated embodiment,the waterproof member 156 extends generally from the first end surface130 to the second end surface 132. It is understood, however, that thewaterproof member 156 can be any suitable size or shape. In oneembodiment, once the electrode assembly is configured within thewaterproof member 156, the waterproof member 156 is sealed. Preferably,to ensure a waterproof seal, the waterproof member 156 is sealed usingultrasonic sealing. The waterproof member 156 may have a tubular shapethat is not generally cylindrical (e.g., the tubular shape may have asubstantially polygonal cross-section), and/or the cavity may not extendfrom the first end surface 130 to the second end surface 132. In othersuitable embodiments, the waterproof member 156 may not be tubular but,rather, may be generally shaped like a sphere, pyramid, cube or othersuitable shape. In one embodiment, the bait matrix 124 may beconstructed using waterproof material such that a separate waterproofmember 156 is not necessary.

The waterproof member 156 can be formed from any suitable, waterproofmaterial. For example, the waterproof member 156 may be formed usingexpanded or extruded polymers such as, for example, closed-cell extrudedpolyethylene, expanded polystyrene, expanded polypropylene, etc. Inother examples, the waterproof member 156 can be a film or a coating.For example, in one suitable embodiment, the waterproof member 156 canbe a waterproof coating applied to the bait matrix 124.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the electrode assembly 126 includes afirst electrode 144 and a second electrode 148. In one embodiment, theelectrodes 144, 148 are elongated strips of a conductive material (e.g.,copper). In the illustrated embodiment, the electrodes 144, 148 extendparallel to one another and are spaced apart such that there is nocontact therebetween. When installed in the bait station 102, theelectrodes 144, 148 extend in a substantially vertical directionrelative to the ground in which the bait station 102 is buried. In onesuitable embodiment, the electrodes 144, 148 may generally form a “U”shape, where a first portion of the electrodes 144, 148 extendssubstantially vertically relative to the ground, a second portion of theelectrodes 144, 148 extends substantially horizontally relative to theground along a bottom side of the bait station 102, and a third portionof the electrodes 144, 148 extends substantially vertically relative tothe ground at a distance from the first portion. In other embodiments,the electrodes 144, 148 may be made of any suitable material and mayhave any suitable shape, configuration, and/or orientation that enablethe electrode assembly 126 to function as described herein. As shown inFIGS. 19A (vertical cross-section) and 19B (perspective cross-section),in one embodiment the electrodes 144, 148 fit tightly against the wallof the waterproof member 156. In one aspect, in order to allow a pest tomake contact with the electrode assembly 126, a preferred embodimentconfigures the electrode assembly 126 to be closely proximal to the wallof the waterproof member 156. Therefore, regardless of shape, theelectrode assembly 126 preferably matches the geometry of the waterproofmember 156 and bait matrix 124. In this regard, therefore, the electrodeassembly 126 preferably is semi-rigid and capable of placement within afinite location for production of a fully assembled bait station 102.

In some suitable embodiments, the electrode assembly 126 includes anelectrode track 157 made of an electrically insulating material (e.g., arubber or plastic material) as illustrated in FIG. 2A. The electrodetrack 157 provides a base to which the first and second electrodes 144,148 can be attached thereby ensuring proper positioning of theelectrodes 144, 148 and preventing the electrodes 144, 148 fromcontacting one another.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first electrode 144 is coupled to a firstterminal 160 of a power supply circuit that transmits a signal toprovide the electrical stimulus, and the second electrode 148 is coupledto a second terminal 162 to monitor a state of the sensor assembly 108.Because the electrodes 144, 148 do not contact one another, a circuitdefined by the first terminal 160, the first electrode 144, the secondterminal 162, and the second electrode 148 is an open circuit. When thecircuit is an open circuit, taking a measurement of an electricalcharacteristic, such as impedance, returns a very high value thatapproaches infinity. Accordingly, when the circuit is open, it may bereferred to as being in a “high impedance state”. Alternatively, whenthe bait station 102 and, more specifically, the bait matrix 124 isexploited by termites, a conductive material (e.g., soil, water, termitefeces, termite salivary secretions, etc.) is applied across theelectrodes 144, 148, and the circuit is completed, or closed. When thecircuit is a closed circuit, taking a measurement of the impedancereturns a measurable value. Accordingly, when the circuit is closed, itmay be referred to as being in a “lower impedance state”. The lowerimpedance state means the circuit has any impedance that is lower thanthe impedance of the circuit when it is in the high impedance state,which approaches infinity. Thus, termite activity within the baitstation 102 creates a measurable impedance across the normally opencircuit.

In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 128 is disposed at leastin part within an interior compartment 138 of the sensor holder 110. Thecontrol unit 128 is configured to supply the electrode assembly 126 witha known electrical stimulus. In one suitable embodiment, the electricalstimulus is electrical current. The control unit 128 may also beoperable to transmit, in a wired or wireless manner, one or more signalsindicative of at least one of pest presence and/or one or moreelectrical characteristics of the electrode assembly 126 (e.g.,resistance or reactance) from the bait station 102 to the gateway 104.

The control unit 128 may include any suitable processor-based device(e.g., a microcontroller with associated memory on which executableinstructions are stored), or any suitable configuration of a reducedinstruction set circuit(s) (RISC), an application-specific integratedcircuit(s) (ASICs), and/or a logic circuit(s). Alternatively, thecontrol unit 128 may suitably include any circuit and/or processor thatis capable of executing the functions of the control unit 128 asdescribed herein.

In one suitable embodiment, the control unit 128 may also include asuitable power supply 139 and functional circuitry (e.g., anelectrochemical cell, a battery, electronic circuits, etc.) suitablydisposed within the hollow interior compartment 138 of the sensor holder110 for powering the control unit 128, and/or for supplying theelectrode assembly 126 with the electrical stimulus via a suitableelectrical interconnect. As shown in FIG. 21, in one embodiment, powersupply 139 is a coin cell battery 141, which offers robust retention ofthe battery in the control unit 128 and a long life for the operation ofan assembled bait station 102. Preferably, the power supply 139 islocated to minimize RF interference by placing it apart or away from anyantennae. In one embodiment, retaining snaps 143 may be used to seat thepower supply 139 in place to secure the power supply 139 away from thewalls of the sensor holder 110, which houses the control unit. Further,as shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, preferably the connection pins 145 aremolded into the bottom wall of sensor holder 110, preferably usingswaged retention, which is believed to ensure a robust electricalinterconnection.

Alternatively, the power supply 139 may be located remotely from thebait station 102 and may be electrically connected to the control unit128 and/or the electrode assembly 126 in any suitable manner (e.g., aplurality of aboveground or underground terminals may be accessible onthe exterior of the bait station 102 for selectively connecting theremote power supply and/or the gateway 104 to the control unit 128and/or the electrode assembly 126 via the terminals). Alternatively, ina passive system, the power supply may be provided in a signal sent bythe gateway 104 or another suitable device.

To assemble the bait station 102 seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the electrodeassembly 126, including the electrodes 144, 148 coupled to the electrodetrack 157, is positioned within the waterproof member 156 such that theelectrodes 144, 148 extend in a substantially vertical direction. Thewaterproof member 156 and the electrode assembly 126 disposed thereinare positioned within the bait matrix 124, which is then placed into thestation housing 109.

The control unit 128 and associated power supply 139 are suitably stowedwithin the interior compartment 138 of the sensor holder 110. The sensorholder 110 is configured to be coupled to the station housing 109 usinga connection mechanism 140. The connection mechanism 140 may be ascrew-type connection mechanism and the sensor holder 110 is screwedinto the station housing 109. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 24, oneembodiment of a connection mechanism 140 includes a screw-typeconnection mechanism wherein a gasket 147 is compressed upon connectionof the sensor holder 110 to the cage frame 101, to offer an additionalwaterproof seal for the electrode assembly 126, which is housed withinthe cage frame 101. As shown in more detail in FIG. 25, the cage frame101 may include a channel 149, which contains compressible material 151,such as foam. The sensor holder 110 may include a ribbed ceiling 153,which aligns with channel 149, and upon connecting the sensor holder 110to the cage frame 101, the ceiling 153 compresses the compressiblematerial 151, which fills the channel 149 and forms a waterproof seal.The connection mechanism 140 includes a switch therein that is closed bythe sensor holder 110 being screwed into the station housing 109. Whenclosed, the switch couples the power supply 139 to the control unit 128to facilitate powering on and operation of the bait station.Accordingly, the bait station 102 remains in a powered off state untilthe sensor holder 110 is screwed into the station housing 109. As shownin FIG. 26, in one embodiment, the bottom of sensor holder 110 has amolded stop 155 a, which aligns with a corresponding stop 155 b on thetop of the cage frame 101. Upon screwing the sensor holder 110 into thecage frame 101, the stops 155 a and 155 b prevent over-rotation, whichcould damage the electrical contact. Further, the stops 155 a and 155 boffer a confirmation to the installer that the connection is secured,and the station 102 is assembled. Other embodiments may include a visualindicator, an audible indicator, or a spring-loaded contact. As shown inFIG. 24, preferably stops 155 a and 155 b are located on the outerperiphery to minimize physical stress of the molded plastic material andoffer a tighter control on tolerance.

The control unit 128 is operatively connected to the electrodes 144, 148via the first terminal 160 and the second terminal 162, respectively, ofthe power supply 139 and functional circuitry in a manner that enablesthe control unit 128 to selectively supply the electrodes 144, 148 withthe electrical stimulus. The first electrode 144 and the secondelectrode 148 extend in a parallel direction relative to one anotherwithout any contact therebetween. Thus, because the electrodes 144, 148are coupled to the first terminal 160 and the second terminal 162,respectively, of the functional circuitry, an open circuit is created bythe space between the electrodes 144, 148.

Suitably, the waterproof member 156 surrounds and protects theelectrodes 144, 148. More specifically, the waterproof member 156 isadapted to protect the electrodes 144, 148 from moisture. In someembodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, both the bait matrix124 and the waterproof member 156 surround and protect the electrodes144, 148.

Once the sensor assembly 108 is assembled, it is able to be deployedwithout containment in the station housing 109, or may be suitablyinserted into a station housing that contains at least a portion of thesensor assembly 108 within the station housing. Without the use of astation housing, the sensor assembly 108 can be suitably buried at leastpartially underground on a site where termite activity is suspected orhas been detected. On the other hand, the illustrated embodiment of thesensor assembly 108 and/or its station housing may be suitablyconfigured for deployment aboveground to facilitate locating,monitoring, deterring, and/or eradicating any suitable type of pest inany suitable manner. For example, the sensor assembly 108 and/or itsstation housing may be configured for suitable aboveground deployment ontop of soil, on a generally horizontal surface relative to the ground, asloped surface relative to the ground, or a vertical mounting surfacerelative to the ground (such as an interior or exterior wall of a houseor building, a tree, a fence post or picket, a crawl space, and thelike), or at other suitable above ground locations. It is understoodthat in suitable embodiments, the pest monitoring system 100 may includeone or more underground bait stations 102, one or more aboveground baitstations 102, and/or a combination of underground and aboveground baitstations 102.

After the bait station 102 has been deployed, the control unit 128 isoperable to supply the electrodes 144, 148 with the electrical stimulus.While, or after, the electrical stimulus is applied the electrodes 144,148, the control unit 128 is operable to measure an electricalcharacteristic (e.g., resistance or reactance) of the electrode assembly126 and to transmit signals indicative of pest presence and/or theelectrical characteristic to the gateway 104.

In one embodiment, the control unit 128 may be configured for autonomousoperation, in the sense that it is configured for automatic (e.g.,scheduled, intermittent) supplying of the electrodes 144, 148 with theelectrical stimulus and measuring of the electrical characteristic. Forexample, in a preferred embodiment, the control unit 128 is programmedto generate a status report at predefined time intervals (e.g., once perday, twice per day, once per week, etc.). Information included in thestatus report may include, but is not limited to including, impedancemeasured low information, station low-battery condition information,and/or station low-signal strength information. The control unit 128transmits the status report to the gateway 104 in accordance with thepredefined time intervals. Because the control unit 128 measures theelectrical characteristic and transmits the status report immediately,storage of data by the control unit is not necessary. In anothersuitable embodiment, the control unit 128 is configured to only transmita status report signal to the gateway 104 when the measured electricalcharacteristic indicates pest presence.

In an alternative embodiment, the control unit 128 may be configured forsubservient operation under the direction of a suitable remote controlsystem, in the sense that the control unit 128 may be configured tosupply the electrodes 144, 148 with the electrical stimulus and/or totransmit associated signals to the gateway 104 when instructed to do soby the remote control system. As such, some embodiments of the controlunit 128 may transmit signals to the gateway 104 in real time (e.g.,almost immediately after each occurrence of monitoring the bait matrix124), or other embodiments of the control unit 128 may record events inits memory for transmitting batch-type signals to the gateway 104 whenscheduled or instructed to do so.

Additionally, in some embodiments, a single reading or measurement ofthe electrical characteristic may be set as a threshold for determiningtermite presence. The control unit 128 may store or record occurrence ofa single measurement of the electrical characteristic and transmit theoccurrence when prompted (i.e. by a timing algorithm, an external promptby the gateway 104, etc.). For example, in one suitable embodiment, thecontrol unit 128 may be pinged once per day to monitor for termitepresence. Alternatively, the threshold for determining termite presencemay be set to require multiple measurements of the electricalcharacteristic.

When the illustrated embodiment of the sensor assembly 108 is deployed,termites locate the bait matrix 124 and the sensor assembly 108. Astermites penetrate the bait matrix 124 and the waterproof member 156,they remove (e.g., such as by tunneling, foraging, eating, excavating,displacing, or otherwise separating) particles from the bait matrix 124and the waterproof member 156. Some particles may be returned to thenest and/or gallery system for consumption/deposition. It is to beunderstood that the bait station 102 may be provided with only the baitmatrix 124, only the waterproof member 156, or both the bait matrix 124and the waterproof member 156.

As particles are removed from the bait matrix 124 and the waterproofmember 156 by termites, the electrodes 144, 148 become exposed tomoisture intrusion and/or termites that deposit material 200 (shown inFIG. 3) across the electrodes 144, 148. The material 200 may include,for example, water, soil, termite feces, termite salivary secretions,dead termites, etc. The material 200 or the moisture applied across theelectrodes 144, 148 closes the open circuit formed by the electrodes144, 148 and the terminals 160, 162 of the functional circuitry suchthat there is a measurable electrical characteristic. For example, anopen circuit normally has a resistance approaching infinity, and a lowerimpedance circuit has a measurable value. Because the electrodes 144,148 lie in relatively close proximity to each other, as termitespenetrate the waterproof member 156, the material 200 will seep onto, beplaced onto or otherwise accumulate on the electrode track 157 creatingan electrical contact between the electrodes 144, 148. As such, termiteactivity closes the circuit between the electrodes 144, 148, causing thecircuit to go into the lower impedance state.

It is to be understood that the electrodes 144, 148 may be positioned inany configuration relative to the ground in which they are buriedincluding, but not limited to, a vertical configuration relative to theground, a horizontal configuration relative to the ground, a diagonalconfiguration relative to the ground, combinations thereof, or anysuitable configuration as desired. It is to be further understood thatthe electrodes may be positioned in various distances from each other,where the nearest distance between the electrodes may be: any distancegreater than 0, 10 micrometers (μm), 100 μm, 1 millimeter (mm), 10 mm,and more preferably may be: up to 5 centimeters (cm), up to 2 cm, up to10 mm, up to 5 mm, up to 1 mm, up to 100 μm, or up to 10 μm. However,such ranges may be adjusted for the size and configuration of thedesired device.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mere occurrence of a measurableelectrical characteristic is sufficient for the control unit 128 todetermine a presence of termites and indicate such presence in thesignal transmitted to the gateway 104. Because the circuit is normallyan open circuit in the high impedance state, the high impedance stateprovides a known baseline measurable characteristic (the high impedancevalue approaching infinity). The circuit only enters the lower impedancestate when the material 200 creates contact between the electrodes 144,148, which indicates that termites have penetrated the waterproof member156. Accordingly, obtaining a measurable electrical characteristic isthe indicator of pest (termite) presence, as opposed to a change in theactual value of the measurement, so storing/transmitting themeasurements by the control unit 128 is unnecessary for the detection ofthe presence of pests.

In alternative embodiments, the electrical impedance changes based onthe amount of material 200 applied to the electrodes 144, 148. Forexample, as more material 200 is applied to the electrodes 144, 148, theelectrical resistance decreases. The level of measured electricalresistance may be periodically transmitted to the gateway 104 foradditional determinations such as, for example, changes in termiteactivity over time.

In the illustrated embodiment, with each pulse of current supplied tothe electrodes 144, 148, the control unit 128 measures the electricalcharacteristic and determines whether termites are present based on themeasured electrical characteristic. For example, in one suitableembodiment, the electrical characteristic is electrical resistance.While the circuit is open, a measurement of the electrical resistancewill return a value approaching infinity; however, when the circuit isclosed, the electrical resistance will return a measurable value.Alternatively, in another suitable embodiment, the electricalcharacteristic is electrical reactance. While the circuit is open, ameasurement of the electrical reactance will return a value ofapproximately zero; however, when the circuit is closed, the electricalreactance will become a different measurable value. If termite presenceis determined, the control unit 128 transmits a signal to the gateway104, and the signal is indicative of termite presence.

It is contemplated that the control unit 128 may transmit signalsindicative of other suitable properties of the bait matrix 124 as well.Moreover, all such properties of the bait matrix 124 and its environmentmay be utilized by the control unit 128 and/or the gateway 104 to createpredictive models or indicator models through which pest advisories canbe provided to the property owner.

In alternative embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the controlunit 128 may also include one or more switches that are capable ofturning on, waking up, resetting or initiating other such functions bythe bait stations 102 and/or the gateway 104 when energized by anexternal device 304. Such switches may include mechanically-activatedcontacts and interconnects, magnetic switches, RF switches, ultrasonicswitches, manual switches, or any other such type of switch that one maychoose to add. A passive and/or proximity type switch may be preferredto an active and/or manual type switch given the possible subterraneanlocation of the pest monitoring system 100, such as magnetic reed,inductive and capacitive, seismic, infrared, photographic, thermal,electrical field, chemical, and/or ultrasonic switches, etc.

In yet another embodiment, the pest monitoring system 100 may preferablyuse a magnetic reed switch 302, as seen in FIG. 5, to wake-up, turn on,and/or reset the one or more bait stations 102 and/or the one or moregateways 104. The magnetic reed switch 302 as shown in FIG. 5 may supplypower to the circuit board. Given that the pest monitoring system 100may be located in a subsurface environment the magnetic reed switch 302provides various advantages such as, it is a locking switch, it usesless power than other options such as an ultrasonic switch, and it maybe internally located allowing for a more secure sealed housing aroundit.

Prior to the magnetic reed switch 302 being activated by the externaldevice 304, one or more of the bait stations 102 and/or the gateway 104may be in a sleeping state or turned-off state to preserve energy. Oncethe magnetic reed switch 302 is used to provide power to the one or morebait stations 102 and/or the one or more gateways 104, the one or morebait stations 102 are now in discovery mode or administration mode andable to search for the one or more gateways 104. It is understood thatanother type of switch may be used to wake-up, turn on, and/or reset theone or more bait stations 102 and/or the one or more gateways 104.

FIG. 6 is an illustration showing one example of a pest monitoringnetwork 600 that provides a communication pathway for the pestmonitoring and detection system 100 of FIG. 1.

The pest monitoring network 600 includes the bait stations 102communicatively coupled to the gateway 104. The pest monitoring network600 is set up as a private network having one gateway 104 and multiplebait stations 102 per installation site. The gateway 104 serves as apacket forwarder to a Long Range Radio (LoRa) network server, which sitsin a cloud service 602. The gateway 104 is connected to the Internetthrough the homeowner's Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, or through acellular backhaul with a cellular SIM card. A smart-phone applicationmay be used to assist installation setup and provisioning of thecommunications equipment. The network server sends packets to themiddleware/application platform, where they are then decrypted and usedfor interpreting and routing the collected data, performing analytics,and notifying a project management professional (PMP) of significantevents, such as termite detection and equipment maintenancerequirements.

When the base station 102 is initially powered up by screwing the sensorholder 110 into the station housing 109 to close the switch and applythe power source 139 to the control unit 128, the control unit 128enters a “setup mode”. While in the setup mode, the bait station 102,via the control unit 128, periodically transmits a registration requestto the gateway 104 until it receives confirmation of registration fromthe gateway 104. After registration is confirmed, the bait station 102then transitions into a normal operating mode, where it transmits statusupdates in the form of status transmission packets to the gateway 104 inaccordance with predefined time intervals (e.g. once per day). A statustransmission packet includes, but is not limited to, a station ID, areport number, a sensor impedance measurement, a battery voltagemeasurement, and/or a signal strength of a last received acknowledgementfrom the gateway 104.

The packet structure from the bait station 102 to the gateway 104 is asfollows: Preamble>PHDR>PHDR_CRC>PHYPayload>CRC.

The transmission mode chosen between the bait stations 102 and thegateway 104 is LoRa, which is a low-bandwidth modulation scheme using anon-licensed frequency spectrum that has the advantage of transmissiondistances of longer than 1 kilometer and can pass through manyobstacles. LoRa uses low power and utilizes a short receive window aftereach transmission from the bait station 102, which enables the baitstation 102 may be put into low power mode between reporting intervalsto save power.

The gateway 104 is configured to collect data from the bait stations 102and to pass the information to the network server residing in the cloud.In addition to the data received from each bait station 102, the gateway104 may add additional parametrics such as a time stamp of each stationreport and/or a measured Signal strength from each bait station 102.

The uplink from the gateway 104 to the cloud is an internet connectionthat can be configured to connect using any known suitable method. Inone embodiment, the internet connection is made using a digital cellularnetwork (e.g. 3G or 4G), similar to that used by a smart phone accessingthe internet. In another embodiment, a Wi-Fi connection may beestablished to a customer Wi-Fi network to pass the data to an internetcloud database. In a further embodiment, the gateway 104 can also beconnected directly to the home-owner's router through a wired Ethernetconnection.

The Network Server sits in the cloud service 602 and is used to keeptrack of which bait stations 102 are associated with which gateway 104and the location of the customer premise. It is also responsible for thefollowing processes: (a) device activation to allow a device to join thenetwork; (b) radio regulation: depending on the region/band used, suchas device duty-cycle negotiation (e.g. wait X sec between each frame) orbandwidth negotiation; (c) Radio channels selection; (d) Device classessupport (A, C, B); (e) Frame de-duplication—when several gatewaysreceive a device frame; (f) Frame downlink routing—to select bestdownlink path; (g) Frame integrity—to make sure data is not corrupted;(h) Frame encryption/decryption—to avoid anyone from intercepting yourdata; (i) Frame counter check—to forbid replay attack; (j) Backwardcompatibility across LoRaWAN versions; (k) Real time routing of datapackets from endpoints to application server; (l) Authenticatingsecurity keys between the end node, network server, and applicationserver; and (m) Managing the network efficiency metrics, such as NetworkThroughput, Network Availability, Packet Loss, Packet Delay, and/orPacket Delay Jitter.

The Network Server sends data to the application server through an IPaddress, which then is accessed by a monitoring entity to perform thefollowing: (a) Decryption of Packets; (b) Analytics; (c) PMP RelatedTasks; (d) SAP Related Tasks; (e) Fulfillment; and/or (f) MarketingCommunications.

The Gateway will send uplink messages to the network in the followingformat: Preamble>PHDR>PHDR_CRC>PHYPayload>CRC.

The Network Server also is responsible for sending necessary downlinkmessages to the gateway. The packet structure is:Preamble>PHDR>PHDR_CRC>PHYPayload.

At a high level, the Middleware/Application Platform is a collection ofmicro-cloud services that make up an on-demand, scalable, and securecomputing system that sits on top of a public or private cloud. ThePlatform is capable of discovering, identifying, cataloguing,connecting, and controlling the gateways 104 and the bait stations 102for IoT projects.

Devices connect to the platform through MQTT, Wi-Fi, IP, cellular, orsatellite. The connection may be either direct or aggregated via agateway/network or mobile device. Once devices are connected to theplatform, the data is normalized (if applicable) and the followingcapabilities are made available via REST API: (a) Datastorage/management where the data is available to the service providerto mine for historical data via the API; (b) Scheduling timed eventsbased on specific day/time and timezones; (c) SMS/Email alerts, based oncertain thresholds being exceeded or met; (d) If/Then event triggersthat prompt a notification to the service provide, such as termitedetection, low battery, and/or low signal strength between the gateway104 and any of the bait stations 102; (e) data visualization; and (f)LoRa tracking. A REST API allows for external Business Intelligence,Artificial Intelligence, and other 3rd party services to consume orinteract with the Middleware/Application layer.

To install the system 100, an installer begins by installing the gateway104 at the customer premise. It is typically installed indoors, withaccess to utility power, and access to the planned method of internetaccess. After providing the gateway 104 with power and connecting thegateway 104 through Wi-Fi, ethernet, or cellular, the gateway 104 entersa verification mode shown through LED status lights. When the gateway104 connectivity status is complete (i.e. green solid LED light), theinstaller reads the gateway ID from a barcode label, using thesmartphone application, and the gateway 104 is registered viaauthentication through the following steps: (a) Gateway Uplink toNetwork Server (with downlink acknowledgment); (b) Network Server PacketAuthentication; (c) Network Server and Application ServerAuthentication; (d) Network Server to Gateway Downlink; and (e)Application to smartphone application authentication.

If the cellular network is used as the uplink, the SIM card data of thegateway 104 is entered to enable the gateway communications. If thecustomer Wi-Fi network is used, it may be necessary to establish a localWi-Fi connection between the installer's smart-phone and the gateway toenter the customer's network SSID and password.

The installer chooses bait station 102 placement according toguidelines, and installs each bait station 102 in the ATBS enclosure.The installer uses the installation smart-phone application to read eachstation's barcode ID to register each bait station 102.

When the installer screws the electronic module onto the bait assembly,as described above, the bait station 102 powers up and enters SetupMode, in which it periodically (e.g. every 30 seconds) broadcasts aregistration request. The gateway 104 then receives the request, andsends it to the network-application server for authentication. Theapplication server communicates with the smartphone application toverify installation of that bait station 102 is complete. Thesmart-phone application then let the installer know to move to the nextstation.

After the installer has installed the last bait station 102, they selectan option to complete installation on the smartphone application. Thesystem performs a test verification by turning on and sending allreal-time station data to the gateway 104 communicating with the networkand application server and verifying. The smart-phone applicationacknowledges that the installation is complete and notifies theinstaller of the installation location. The system then enters normaloperation mode, transmitting data at the predefined time periods, aspreviously described.

The gateway 104 may communicate (a) internally and/or (b) externally.The gateway's 104 internal communication may take place using thenetwork. The gateway's 104 external communication may be sent to a homesecurity (HS) Hub 402 and on to a communication portal 404 as shown inFIGS. 7-12. It is understood that the gateway 104 and the HS Hub 402 mayuse a WiFi connection, an Internet connection, an Ethernet connection, acellular connection, and/or any other suitable form of communicationmeans to transmit data externally from the gateway 104 and/or HS Hub 402and/or the communication portal 404. The HS Hub 402 and/or thecommunication portal 404 may be provided by a customer using the pestmonitoring system 100 and/or by any other external source. The HS Hub402 and/or the communication portal 404 allow for the periodic loggingof sensor/network data to the external host cloud. An ApplicationProgram Interface (API) may be used to transmit the data from thegateway 104 to the cloud. An API may be used to transmit the data fromthe bait station 102 to the gateway 104. An API may be used to transmitthe data from the cloud to a web interface. An API may be written usinga variety of different formats such as JSON, XML, or other suchtext-based formats or binary serialization such as MessagePack,protobuf, bson, avro or any other such binary format.

It is understood that in some suitable embodiments, the gateway 104 maybe integrated into a connected system or network (as shown in FIGS.7-12), including but not limited to, a smart home system and/or homesecurity panel/system. In such embodiments, the HS Hub 402 and/or thecommunication portal 404 serve as the gateway 104 such that the baitstations 102 may communicate directly with the HS Hub 402 and/or thecommunication portal 404. Such communication preferably uses a WiFiconnection; however, an Internet connection, an Ethernet connection, acellular connection, and/or any other suitable form of communicationmeans to transmit data may be used. Additionally, where the bait station102 is at least partially underground, a low-power wide area network(LPWAN or LoRaWAN) connection may be used to communicate between thebait station 102 and the HS hub 402 and/or communication portal 404.

In the example embodiment, gateway 104 is communicatively coupled with aplurality of bait stations 102 and the HS Hub 402 and/or thecommunication portal 404. Gateway 104 acts as a gateway between theplurality of bait stations 102 and the HS Hub 402 and/or thecommunication portal 404. In the example embodiment, gateway 104provides secure communication links between bait stations 102 and the HSHub 402 and/or the communication portal 404, while also filtering thecommunications to prevent cybersecurity threats. In the exampleembodiment, gateway 104 establishes secure communication channels witheach of bait stations 102. The secure communication channels are two-waycommunication channels. In some embodiments, the secure communicationchannels transmit and receive encrypted data. In some furtherembodiments, the secure communication channels require authenticationinformation to be included in communications. Secure communicationchannels may be secured in other methods to allow the systems andmethods described herein to function.

The gateway 104 may have two different modes when operating: (a) anadministration mode (may also be referred to as maintenance mode ordiscovery mode) that allows the gateway 104 to detect and add baitstations 102 to the network; or (b) a reporting mode. When gateway 104is set to the administration mode, gateway 104 is searching for baitstations 102 to add to its network and sends out pings to the baitstations 102 it finds. It may be desired to have the gateway 104auto-default to the administration mode when it is first activated. Oncea bait station 102 is attached to a gateway 104 network, the baitstation 102 will not look to join any other network unless it is toldotherwise and/or reset. It is to be understood that both the gateway 104and the bait stations 102 may need to be set to the administration modefor the network to be created. A mobile device application may also beused to set the gateway 104 into administration mode. When setting upthe pest monitoring system 100, the installer may turn on the gateway104 first, ensure that it is in administration mode, and then activatethe individual bait stations 102 to form the pest monitoring systemnetwork. It is preferred that the pest monitoring system 100 communicateusing a star network as described herein, where each bait station 102communicates directly with the gateway 104.

The gateway 104 also may have two different communication modes: (a)internal communication over the pest monitoring system network to sendor receive information with the bait stations 102; or (b) externalcommunication to send or receive information with a remote device and/orthe cloud. To receive data from the bait stations 102, each bait station102 may be configured to automatically transmit a signal to the gateway104 upon determining presence of pest activity and/or the gateway 104may ping the individual bait stations 102 on its network atpredetermined intervals.

The gateway 104 may have knowledge of which bait stations 102 belong inits network, while the bait stations 102 themselves do not recognize whospecifically they are talking to. The gateway 104 is configured to storethe data sent to it from the bait stations 102, at least until the datais sent to an external location and/or device by the gateway 104. Thegateway 104 will preferably send the data to the cloud or externalsource, upon receipt of instructions to do so and/or upon time intervalsprogrammed into the firmware of the bait stations 102 and/or thegateways 104. It is understood that the gateway 104 may send data to thecloud and/or external source at programmed time intervals and/or uponrequest from a mobile application used on a remote device as describedin more detail below.

It is understood that the gateway 104 may function as both a baitstation 102 and/or as a gateway 104 and may have the ability tocommunicate both internally with the other bait stations 102 and/orgateways 104 as well as externally.

As shown in FIG. 5, the gateway 104 may have the magnetic reed switch302 and/or an ultrasonic switch 301. An ultra-sonic sensor may power theultrasonic switch 301 on the gateway 104 and may be used for therest/wake-up cycle of the gateway 104. The ultrasonic switch 301 mayallow for the remote wake-up of the gateway 104 using a remote device.This would enable instantaneous downloading of the data stored on thegateway 104 at that time, rather than waiting for the gateway 104 tosend data out per its scheduled download. It is understood that the datastored on the gateway 104 may be the last reported data from the baitstations 102 to the gateway 104.

It is understood that a mobile client such as a phone or hand-helddevice may perform the following operations: (a) obtain a list of allbait stations 102 connected to the gateway 104; (b) reset the baitstations and/or gateway 104; (c) link the gateway 104 to the customer'shome network (such as WiFi network or cellular network or the like); (d)configure host cloud reporting; (e) check the customer's home network;(f) delete a bait station 102 from the network; (g) place a bait station102 and or gateway 104 into discover mode; and/or (h) erase the entirenetwork.

It is understood that, in some embodiments, the ultrasonic switch 301may be preferred to other types of switches, for example, infraredswitches, due to their ability to work better in subsurfaceenvironments. The ultrasonic switch 301 relies on a combination of anultrasonic transmitter and ultrasonic receiver. The transmitter emits anultrasonic signal that is transmitted wirelessly to the ultrasonicreceiver which then converts the ultrasonic signal into an electronicsignal that may be used for various functions. In the pest monitoringsystem 100 that is the subject of the current disclosure, the ultrasonicswitch 301 or device resides within the sensor holder 110 that is partof the pest monitoring system 100. The gateway 104 and/or bait station102 present in the pest monitoring system 100 may be placed within aplastic sensor housing (not shown) placed within, on, or above theground. The pest monitoring system 100 components may also be placedwithin, on, or above the ground without the use of a plastic sensorhousing as well. The signal emitted by the ultrasonic transmitter mustpass through the covering of the sensor as well as any sensor housingmaterial. Additionally, the ultrasonic signal may have to pass throughsoil, mulch or other materials (i.e. organic or inorganic) such aswalls, concrete, and/or man-made barriers. It is preferred to useultrasonic signals versus infrared due to their increased ability totransmit through the subsurface environment as well as the plasticmaterial surrounding the device. The use of the ultrasonic switch 301has been tested in the field and has proven to be effective in enablingthe activation of the required operational function within the pestmonitoring system 100. It is understood that the ultrasonic transmittermay be a hand held device of any type that is capable of emitting anultrasonic signal.

In one embodiment, exemplified in FIGS. 7-12, the pest monitoring system100 may be integrated directly into a connected system or HS Hub 402. Itis understood that for purposes of this application connected systemmeans any automated or wireless interconnected and/or connected systemwithin an industrial, residential and/or commercial structure. Aconnected system may have a central point of communication or device togather the communication from all of the devices, such as a HS Hub 402.In addition, it is understood that a connected system allows variousdevices within an industrial, residential or commercial structure tocommunicate with one another or to communicate to a central location.Such devices may include but are not limited to fire/smoke detectors,intrusion detectors, medical alert devices, energy management devices,water/leak detection devices, irrigation systems, smart appliances,lighting features, door locks, window sensors, video/audio devices etc.In addition, it is understood that a connected system may communicateexternally through the HS Hub 402 and/or a communication portal 404 fromthe structure 400 to a distributed network system or communicationportal 404 or another external source, such as the cloud or singleserver systems or anything similar, etc. The pest monitoring system 100may be compatible with a residential and/or commercial connected system,and/or a distributed network system. The pest monitoring system 100 maybe directly installed and integrated by service providers into anexisting and/or as part of a connected system by individuals, includingbut not limited to, home security providers, builders, pest managementprofessionals, other technology service providers and/or structureowners.

As described previously, the pest monitoring system 100 is designed todetect pest activity within, on, or around the consumable and/ordisplaceable bait matrix 124. One or more bait stations 102 and at leastone gateway 104 may be installed, in proximity to industrial,commercial, and/or residential structures 400, as well as levees, docks,railroads, and other such wood-based structures, spaced at distancesdetermined to be effective in detecting pest activity. Such spacingbetween the various bait stations 102 and/or gateway 104 may be between5-30 feet, 5-15 feet, and 1-100 feet.

Removal of a portion of the bait matrix 124 by a pest may trigger asignal that may be communicated from the individual bait station 102 tothe gateway 104 or to a distributed network system for, but not limitedto, data management, storage, analysis and/or communication toauthorized parties, including but not limited to, the technologyprovider, installation company, and structure owner. The signal may betransmitted from the gateway 104 through the HS Hub 402 of the connectedsystem to a communication portal 404 and onward as shown in FIGS. 7-12.The signal indicating pest activity may be further routed by the serviceprovider for the connected system (406, 412) to appropriate recipients(410, 413, 414, 416, 418, etc.) including but not limited to thetechnology owner, an authorized service provider and/or thestructure/property owner 400. An authorized service provider (414, 416)may be notified and requested to respond to the potential pest threat.

Utilization of, but not limited to, existing technology, infrastructure,and expertise common to the security and monitoring industrieseliminates complexity of the monitoring process, communicates threat,and facilitates response to the threat. Integration of the pestmonitoring system 100 into, including but not limited to, a connectedsystem may provide a similar level of structural protection andpeace-of-mind originally offered by the security and monitoringindustries, including but not limited to life safety (fire, intrusion,medical) and/or lifestyle (temperature, lights, doors, etc.) managementwithout the need for conventional visual inspection for pest activity.Incorporating pest monitoring with additional home security/monitoringsystems provides a broader range of comfort and security to the propertyowner. It is understood when pests are detected by the pest monitoringsystem 100, the alert may go directly to the security company and theymay transmit the alert to one or more of the following: a pestmonitoring provider; the contact, manager, or owner of the structurebeing monitored; and/or the company providing the pest monitoring system100.

In some embodiments, upon receiving a signal from a bait station 102indicating termite presence, the HS Hub 402 generates an alert to notifythe owner/contact of the building/structure. The alert may include, butis not limited to including, displaying a pest alert on a smarttelevision connected to the HS hub 402, flickering lights in thebuilding/structure in a predetermined sequence, and/or ringing adoorbell of the building/structure in a predetermined sequence.

It is understood that communication of the data gathered by the gateway104 may occur through a variety of means and may include communicationto one or more of the following: (a) HS Hub 402 which receives the datafrom the bait stations 102 (or the gateway 104); (b) communicationportal 404 which may enable the data transmission from the source (withor without the presence of the HS Hub 402) to the cloud and may comprisea WiFi router, a cell phone or other such devices; (c) HS Company DataService 406, which may host the cloud data which may have beentransmitted from the communication portal; (d) Home Security Company orother such service provider 410, e) DM Company or Data ManagementCompany 412/413; (f) Pest Management Professional “PMP” with or withoutrouting services 414/416 who may take care of any pest detected; (g) PMrouting service 418 which notifies the PMP; (h) Home or property owner400; and/or (i) cloud service network provider 407. FIGS. 7-12 provideexamples of various communication pathways. It is understood that thepathways may be adjusted and that the general goal of the pestmonitoring system 100 is to provide data regarding the presence of pestsfrom the location of the system 100 and ultimately to the property ownerand/or pest management professional or other such service provider. Itis understood that various intermediate communication pathways may beused to achieve this purpose.

Another embodiment of this disclosure is a method to determine, afterhaving deployed traditional or conventional bait at the site, whetherthe termites (or other insects/arthropods) that are consuming the baitare the same termites (or other insects/arthropods) that are infestingthe structure on the site. It would be useful, therefore, to providebait which facilitates making such a determination.

In one embodiment, a bait generally comprises a polysaccharide carriermaterial and a marker material mixed with the carrier material. Themarker material is consumable by an insect (or another arthropod) andcontains a substance which facilitates determining, upon viewing theinsect (or another arthropod) that the insect (or another arthropod) isactively feeding on the bait.

In another embodiment, a method of monitoring insects generallycomprises deploying bait at a first location on a site, wherein the baitcontains a marker material which facilitates determining thatinsects/arthropods are actively feeding on the bait. The method alsocomprises monitoring insect/arthropod activity at the bait, detecting alevel of insect/arthropod activity at the bait as a result of themonitoring, and visually inspecting a second location on the site forinsect/arthropod activity as a result of the detection. The methodfurther comprises determining, by viewing an insect/arthropod at thesecond location, that the insect/arthropod consumed the marker materialand is actively feeding on the bait.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary bait matrix 124 that maybe used with the pest monitoring system 100 (shown in FIG. 1) includinga conductive bait matrix 1400 and a non-conductive bait matrix 1402. Itis understood that in one preferred embodiment “conductive bait matrix”generally means a bait matrix that comprises electrically conductiveparticles. It is to be understood that there may also be cases where thebait includes electrically conductive particles without being conductiveitself. For the purpose of this disclosure, such kind of bait may alsobe called “conductive bait”. In one embodiment, the bait matrix 124includes only the conductive bait matrix 1400.

However, in other embodiments, it may be preferred that the bait matrix124 may include one or more sections, wherein at least one section mayinclude the conductive bait matrix 1400 and a second section may includethe non-conductive bait matrix 1402.

Further, in other suitable embodiments, it is understood that the baitmatrix 124 may be non-conductive (i.e. includes only a bait matrix 1402substantially not containing electrically conducting particles).

The conductive bait matrix 1400 may comprise up to 5% of the size of thetotal bait matrix 124 (conductive portion 1400 plus the non-conductiveportion 1402), up to 10% of the total bait matrix 124, up to 15% of thetotal bait matrix 124, up to 30% of the total bait matrix 124, up to 50%of the total bait matrix 124, up to 75% of the total bait matrix 124,and/or up to 100% of the total bait matrix 124.

In one suitable embodiment, the conductive bait matrix 1400 is highlypalatable to pest and may be preferred for consumption or displacementby the pests as shown in Table 2 below and as set forth in more detailin Example 1 herein.

Further, it is understood that the bait matrix 124 as described in FIG.1 may be highly palatable to pest and may be preferred for consumptionor displacement by the pests without including the conductive baitmatrix 1400.

The bait matrix 124 according to one embodiment is of a generally solidconstruction. In other embodiments the bait matrix 124 may instead besemi-solid (e.g., in the form of a gel), or it may be generally in aliquid state (e.g., in the form of a fluid suspension). In aparticularly suitable embodiment, the bait matrix 124 is an extrudedbait matrix.

The bait matrix 124 and/or the conductive bait matrix 1400 according toone suitable embodiment includes a carrier material and a plurality ofelectrically conductive particles and/or a plurality of palatabilityenhancing particles. It is understood that the non-conductive baitmatrix 1402 may contain no or not sufficient conductive particles tocarry be electrically conductive and/or carry an electrical charge. Itis also understood that the conductive bait matrix 1400 may be only aportion (conductive portion 1400) of the bait matrix 124. It is furtherunderstood that an electric charge may or may not be applied to theconductive bait matrix 1400. The electrically conductive orphagostimulatory particles according to one embodiment may be metalparticles such as, without limitation, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, oraluminum. The particles may be in any suitable particulate form such asdust, oxide, filings, slag, flakes, or other suitable particle form.

In other embodiments, the electrically conductive or phagostimulatoryparticles are semi-metal or non-metal electrically conductive particles.Suitable examples according to one embodiment include carbon-basedparticles such as, without limitation, graphite, carbon nanotubefragments, carbon black, coke, and carbonized-charcoal powder.

In one particularly suitable embodiment, the electrically conductive orphagostimulatory particles are particles of graphite. Graphite isavailable in different types such as, for example, flake graphite,amorphous graphite, vein graphite, expandable graphite, or highlyoriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG).

Graphite is commercially available in a variety of grades for differentapplications such as EDM Grades (as e.g., described in “Properties andCharacteristics of Graphite, For the EDM Industry”, FifthPrinting—February 2002, 1987 Poco Graphite, Inc., POCO Graphite, Inc.300 Old Greenwood Rd. Decatur, Tex. 76234), Industrial Grades (as e.g.described in “Industrial Material Solutions”, Poco Graphite Inc.,brochures IND-92480-0514, 6204-7085INK-0414, all 2014) SemiconductorGrades, Ion Implant Grades, Biomedical Grades (as e.g. described in“Biomedical Grade Graphites”, Poco Graphite Inc., BrochureIND-7334-0514), and Glassmate Grades (as e.g. described in “Glassmate”,Poco Graphite Inc., brochure GLA 102930-0214, 2014).

It is well known that different types and grades of graphite differ inone or more of their properties such as, for example, density, Shorehardness, Rockwell Hardness, flexural strength, thermal expansion,thermal conductivity, heat capacity, emissivity, compressive strength,electrical resistivity, or average particle size.

In general, any kind and any grade of graphite may be used, providedthat its incorporation into the bait matrix facilitates a palatabilitypreference for the bait matrix. In one suitable embodiment, the materialcomprising electrically conductive particles is graphite provided bygraphite manufacturers (such as, for example, Asbury Graphite Mills,Inc.) as conductive filler for the manufacture of electricallyconductive polymers. In one embodiment, the material comprisingconductive particles is ultra-fine graphite and/or ultra-high surfacearea graphite.

In one suitable embodiment, the graphite mean particle size may measurefrom 1 μm to 20 μm, 1 μm to 15 μm, 1 μm to 10 μm, 1 μm to 5 μm, 1 μm to3 μm. Methods to determine the average particle size are well known tothe person skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the graphite has asurface area in the range from 1 m²/g to 500 m²/g, from 20 m²/g to 400m²/g, from 50 m²/g to 300 m²/g.

Electrical resistivity (also known as resistivity, specific electricalresistance, or volume resistivity) is an intrinsic property thatquantifies how strongly a given material opposes the flow of electriccurrent. The skilled person is familiar with methods to measureelectrical resistivity. For example, one standard method of measuringthe electrical resistivity of a graphite sample is described in ASTMC611-98.

TABLE 1 Graphite types provided by Asbury Graphite Mills Inc. for themanufacture of conductive polymers Asbury ® Ultra Fine/Ultra HighSurface Area Graphite Mean Particle Size Surface Area Resistivity GradeType (μm) (m²/gram) (Ohm*cm) 4118 Synthetic <3.0 100-150 0.14 3725Natural <2.5 Nominal 180 0.23 2299 Natural <2.0 Nominal 400 0.65 4827Synthetic <2.0 225-275 0.21 4848 Synthetic <2.0 225-275 0.25 4847Synthetic <1.5 275-325 0.25 4849 Synthetic <1.5 275-325 0.38 TC 306Synthetic <1.5 325-375 0.26 TC 307 Synthetic <1.5 325-375 0.26

In one embodiment, the conductive bait matrix 1400 contains an amount ofelectrically conductive particles, preferably graphite, that issufficient to induce an electrical resistance of the conductive baitmatrix 1400 in the range from 1 kQ to 500 kQ, from 10 kQ to 100 kQ,preferably from 40 kQ to 80 kQ, more preferably from 1 kQ to 20 kQ.

In one embodiment, the conductive bait matrix 1400 contains from about0.1% to about 50% by weight, 1% to about 25%, preferably about 5% toabout 15%, more preferably about 8% to about 12% by weight graphiteparticles as compared to the weight of the total conductive bait matrix1400. The remainder of the conductive bait matrix 1400 in suchembodiments would be the carrier material. In other embodiments, atoxicant such as an active ingredient may also be included in the baitmatrix 124 and may reduce the concentration of the graphite particles,the concentration of carrier material, or both.

It is to be understood that some phagostimulants such as e.g. erythritolmay also be used as an active insecticide ingredient.

Other suitable electrically conductive particles may also be used andremain within the scope of some aspects of this disclosure. Further, itis understood that the bait matrix 124 described in FIG. 1 may includethe toxicant without including the conductive bait matrix 1400. It is tobe further understood that the conductive bait matrix 1400 may be usedin the device without the presence of an electrical current in theconductive bait matrix 1400 itself.

The carrier material of the bait matrix 124 according to one embodimentcomprises a consumable material (e.g., a material that is consumable anddigestible by a pest being monitored using the bait matrix). Forexample, in one particularly suitable embodiment, the carrier materialincludes polysaccharide material (e.g., a cellulosic material such aswood flour, alpha cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose or othersuitable cellulose material consumable by termites). It is understoodthat the carrier material may include other consumable materials withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. In other suitableembodiments, an agar matrix alone or combined with sugars (i.e., xylose,mannose, galactose, erythritol, aspartame, saccharin) and/or purifiedcellulose materials may be used as carrier material of the bait matrix124.

It is also contemplated that the carrier material may instead, oradditionally, comprise a consumable, but non-digestible or essentiallynon-digestible, material (e.g., a material that is consumable, but notdigestible, by a pest being monitored using the bait matrix 124). In oneexample, a suitable consumable and non-digestible or essentiallynon-digestible material used as a carrier material is a thermoplasticmaterial and/or a resin-type material. Such a material is capable ofmelting and being mixed with the electrically conductive particles (andthe digestible material, if present) for extrusion together to form thebait matrix 124.

However, it is understood that the bait matrix 124 may function asdescribed in FIG. 1 without including the conductive bait matrix 1400.

By “essentially non-digestible” it is understood that less than 50% byweight, preferably less than 10% by weight, more preferably less than 1%by weight, still more preferably less than 0.1% by weight, of the orallyacquired material are subsequently digested by the pest being monitoredusing the bait matrix 124. Digestible for purposes of this applicationmeans capable of being broken down to a simpler form by the consumerafter consumption.

It is also contemplated that the carrier material may instead, oradditionally, include a displaceable material, i.e. a material that canbe dislodged by the pest without the pest eating and/or digesting it.Thermoplastic materials in general are well known materials that becomepliable or moldable above a specific temperature and solidify uponcooling. There are many examples of suitable thermoplastic materialsincluding but not limited to—High Temperature Thermoplastics likepolyphthalamide (PPA), Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), Liquid-crystalpolymers (LCP), Poly ether ether ketone (PEEK), Polyetherimid (PEI),Polyarylsulphones (PSU), Polyethersulfone (PES), Polyphenylsulfone(PPSU)—Engineering thermoplastics like syndiotactic polystyrene (SPS),Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT),Polyoxymethylene (POM), Polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP),polycarbonate (PC), Poly(p-phenylene oxide) (PPE), Poly (methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate(ASA)—Standard thermoplastics like High-density polyethylene (HDPE),Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), Linear low-density polyethylene(LLDPE), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), Acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS).

The carrier material in one embodiment comprises a thermoplasticmaterial that has a melting point of below about 220° C., or below about180° C., or below about 160° C., or below about 140° C.

In one embodiment, the bait matrix 124 and/or the conductive bait matrix1400 also includes at least one pesticide active ingredient.

If the bait matrix 124 and/or the conductive bait matrix 1400 alsoincludes a pesticide active ingredient, the processing temperature usedto melt or soften the thermoplastic material when making the carriermaterial is preferably a temperature less than that at which thefunctionality of the pesticide active ingredient is nullified and/or theintegrity of the active ingredient molecules is compromised.

Suitable thermoplastic materials include, without limitation, celluloseacetate propionate (CAP), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), or apolyester. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0305326 A1,which is herewith incorporated by reference, describes particularlysuitable thermoplastic materials in paragraphs [0077] and [0078]. In oneparticularly suitable embodiment, the thermoplastic carrier material isa polyester having a relatively low melt temperature, e.g. where themelt temperature is below 170° C., where the melt temperature is below160° C., where the melt temperature is below 150° C., where the melttemperature is below 140° C., where the melt temperature is below 130°C. Suitable polyesters are for example the polyesters disclosed in WO-A92/09654 and WO-A 96/15173, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Preferred suitable polyesters are aliphatic or aliphatic/aromatic(semiaromatic) polyesters with intrinsic viscosities to DIN 53728 offrom 150 to 320 cm³/g and acid numbers to DIN EN 12634 smaller than 1.2mg KOH/g, preferably smaller than 1.0 mg KOH/g.

Other preferred polyesters are compostable semiaromatic polyesters withintrinsic viscosities greater than 160 cm³/g and acid numbers smallerthan 1.0 mg KOH/g, and with melt volume-flow rate (MVR) smaller than 6.0cm³/10 min (measured at 190 degrees centigrade, with a weight of 216kg).

The aforementioned preferred compostable semiaromatic polyesters andtheir process of manufacture are disclosed in WO-A 09/127556, which ishereby incorporated by reference. The thermoplastic material may alsocomprise mixtures of biodegradable semiaromatic polyesters with polymersthat are susceptible to hydrolysis, examples being PLA (polylactide);PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates), PBS (polybutylene succinate), and starch.One particularly suitable polyester is sold by BASF SE under thetradename Ecoflex®. This material is a compostable, statistical,aliphatic-aromatic copolyester based on the monomers 1.4-butanediol,adipic acid and terephthalic acid in the polymer chain. The melttemperature of Ecoflex® is approximately 110-120° C.

The thermoplastic polymer can include a single polymer or a mixture ofat least two different polymers. For example, in one embodiment, thethermoplastic polymer includes a mixture of a relatively high molecularweight polymer and a relatively low molecular weight polymer. Polyesterslike e.g. Ecoflex®, their manufacture and uses are described in patentapplications EP-A 1656423, EP-A 937120, EP-A 950689, EP-A 1838784, EP-A947559, EP-A 965615, which are herewith incorporated by reference. Inone embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer comprises a mixture ofEcoflex® and Poly lactic acid (PLA) like e.g. Eecovio®.

One advantage of using a lower melt temperature polyester polymer (e.g.,as opposed to, e.g., CAP or CAB) as the carrier material is in extrudinga bait matrix that includes an active ingredient which decomposes athigher temperatures like e.g. above 160° C., above 180° C., above 200°C. For example, CAP and CAB typically have a melt temperature closer toabout 180° C. Extruding at this higher temperature may have more of anegative impact on an active ingredient than extruding at the lowertemperature of the polyester polymer, e.g., the Ecoflex®. It is to beunderstood that a melt temperature of greater than 180° C. may be used.Additionally, it is believed, based on preliminary studies, thattermites show a preference to a bait matrix comprised of graphite andEcoflex® than to a bait matrix comprised of graphite and CAB or CAP, inthe same relative concentrations as shown in Tables 3 and 4 and setforth in more detail in Example 2.

As used herein, a substance or a mixture of substances is considered tobe “biodegradable” if this substance or the mixture of substances has apercentage degree of biodegradation of at least 60% in the processesdefined in DIN EN 13432. Other methods of determining biodegradabilityare described by way of example in ABNT 15448-1/2 and ASTM D6400. Asused herein, a substance or a mixture of substances is considered to be“compostable” if this substance or mixture of substances may be degradedby micro-organisms or other biological processes during composting toyield C02, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass at a rate consistentwith other known compostable materials and that leaves no visible,distinguishable or toxic residues and/or a substance or mixture ofsubstances meets the criteria set forth in the any of the followingcompostable standards EP—DIN EN 13432, US—ASTM D 6400 or JP—GreenPlastandard.

The result of the biodegradability and/or compostability is generallythat the substance, as e.g. the polyester breaks down within anappropriate and demonstrable period. The degradation may be broughtabout enzymatically, hydrolytically, oxidatively, and/or via exposure toelectromagnetic radiation, such as UV radiation, and is mostlypredominantly caused by exposure to microorganisms, such as bacteria,yeasts, fungi, and algae. An example of a method of quantifying thebiodegradability mixes polyester with compost and stores it for aparticular time. By way of example, according to DIN EN 13432, C02-freeair is passed through ripened compost during the composting process andthe compost is subjected to a defined temperature profile.Biodegradability is defined here by way of the ratio of the net amountof C02 liberated from the specimen (after deducting the amount of C02liberated by the compost without the specimen) to the maximum possibleamount of C02 liberated by the specimen (calculated from the carboncontent of the specimen), this ratio being defined as the percentagebiodegradability. Even after a few days of composting, biodegradablepolyesters or biodegradable polyester mixtures generally show markedsigns of degradation, for example, fungal growth, cracking, andperforation.

Polyesters are well known polymers. They include monomers in polymerizedform, such as diols and diacids (or diesters), or hydroxyacids (orhydroxyesters). Suitable polyester are, for example, aliphaticpolyester. These include homopolymers of aliphatic hydroxy carboxylicacids or lactones, and also copolymers or block copolymers of differenthydroxy carboxylic acids or lactones or mixtures of these. Thesealiphatic polyesters may also contain units of diols and/or ofisocyanates. The aliphatic polyesters may also contain units whichderive from tri- or polyfunctional compounds, for example, fromepoxides, from acids, or from triols. The aliphatic polyesters maycontain the latter units as individual units, or a number of these,possibly together with the diols and/or isocyanates. Processes forpreparing aliphatic polyesters are known to the skilled worker. Inpreparing the aliphatic polyesters it is, of course, also possible touse mixtures made from two or more comonomers and/or from other units,for example, from epoxides or from polyfunctional aliphatic or aromaticacids, or from polyfunctional alcohols. The aliphatic polyestersgenerally have molar masses (number-average) of from 10,000 to 100,000g/mol.

Examples of aliphatic polyesters are polymeric reaction products oflactic acid, poly-Shy droxybutanoates, or polyesters built up fromaliphatic or cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids and from aliphatic orcycloaliphatic diols. The aliphatic polyesters may also be random orblock copolyesters which contain other monomers. The proportion of theother monomers is generally up to 10 percent by weight. Preferredcomonomers are hydroxycarboxylic acids or lactones or mixtures of these.

Polymeric reaction products of lactic acid are known per se or may beprepared by processes known per se. Besides polylactide, use may also bemade of those copolymers or block copolymers based on lactic acid withother monomers. Linear polylactides are mostly used. However, branchedlactic acid polymers may also be used. Examples of branching agents arepolyfunctional acids or alcohols. Polylactides which may be mentioned asan example are those obtainable essentially from lactic acid or from itsC1-C4-alkyl esters or mixtures of these, with at least one aliphaticC4-C10 di-carboxylic acid and with at least one C3-C10 alkanol havingfrom three to five hydroxyl groups.

Poly-3-hydroxybutanoates are homopolymers or copolymers of3-hydroxybutanoic acid or mixtures thereof with 4-hydroxybutanoic acidand with 3-hydroxyvaleric acid, in particular with a proportion byweight of up to 30 percent, preferably up to 20 percent, of thelast-named acid. Suitable polymers of this type also include those withR-stereo-specific configuration. Polyhydroxybutanoates or copolymers ofthese can be prepared microbially.

Processes for the preparation from various bacteria and fungi are knownas well as a process for preparing stereospecific polymers. It is alsopossible to use block copolymers of the above-mentionedhydroxycarboxylic acids or lactones, or of their mixtures, oligomers orpolymers.

Suitable polyesters built up from aliphatic or cycloaliphaticdicarboxylic acids and from aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diols are thosebuilt up from aliphatic or cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids or frommixtures of these, and from aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diols, or frommixtures of these. According to the present disclosure, either random orblock copolymers may be used.

Suitable aliphatic dicarboxylic acids generally have from 2 to 10 carbonatoms. They may be either linear or branched. Cycloaliphaticdicarboxylic acids as used herein are generally those having from 7 to10 carbon atoms, and in particular those having 8 carbon atoms. However,in principle use may also be made of dicarboxylic acids having a largernumber of carbon atoms, for example, having up to 30 carbon atoms.Examples include, without limitation: malonic acid, succinic acid,glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid,fumaric acid, 2,2-dimethylglutaric acid, suberic acid,1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid,1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, digly colic acid, itaconic acid,maleic acid and 2,5-norbornanedicarboxylic acid, preferably adipic acid.Mention should also be made of ester-forming derivatives of theabovementioned aliphatic or cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids, which maylikewise be used, in particular the di-C1-C6-alkyl esters, such asdimethyl, diethyl, di-n-propyl, diisopropyl, di-n-butyl, diisobutyl,di-tert-butyl, di-n-pentyl, diisopentyl, and di-n-hexyl esters.Anhydrides of the dicarboxylic acids may likewise be used. Thedicarboxylic acids or ester-forming derivatives of these may be usedindividually or as a mixture of two or more of these.

Suitable aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diols generally have from 2 to 10carbon atoms. They may be either linear or branched. Examples are1,4-butanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,2- or 1,3-propanediol,1,6-hexanediol, 1,2- or 1,4-cyclohexanediol or mixtures of these.

Examples of aliphatic polyesters are aliphatic copoly esters asdescribed in WO 94/14870, in particular aliphatic copoly esters madefrom succinic acid, from its diesters, or from mixtures with otheraliphatic acids or, respectively, diesters, for example, glutaric acidand butanediol, or mixtures made from this diol with ethylene glycol,propanediol or hexanediol or mixtures of these. In another embodiment,preferred aliphatic polyesters include polycaprolactone.

As used herein, semiaromatic polyesters refer to polyester, whichinclude aliphatic and aromatic monomers in polymerizied form. The termsemiaromatic polyesters is also intended to include derivatives ofsemiaromatic polyesters, such as semiaromatic polyetheresters,semiaromatic polyesteramides, or semiaromatic polyetheresteramides.Among suitable semiaromatic polyesters are linear non-chain-extendedpolyesters (WO 92/09654). Preference is given to chain-extended and/orbranched semiaromatic polyesters. The latter are disclosed in, forexample, WO 96/15173, WO 96/15174, WO 96/15175, WO 96/15176, WO96/21689, WO 96/21690, WO 96/21691, WO 96/21689, WO 96/25446, WO96/25448, and WO 98/12242, expressly incorporated herein by way ofreference. Mixtures of different semiaromatic polyesters may also beused. In particular, the term semiaromatic polyesters is intended tomean products such as Ecoflex® (BASF SE) and Eastar® Bio and Origo-Bi(Novamont).

Among particularly preferred semi-aromatic polyesters are polyesterswhich comprise the following significant components: (A) an acidcomponent composed of (a1) from 30 to 99 mol % of at least onealiphatic, or at least one cycloaliphatic, dicarboxylic acid, or itsester-forming derivatives, or a mixture of these (a2) from 1 to 70 mol %of at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid, or its ester-formingderivative, or a mixture of these, and (a3) from 0 to 5 mol % of acompound comprising sulfonate groups, and (B) a diol component selectedfrom at least one C2-C12 alkanediol and at least one C5-C10cycloalkanediol, or a mixture of these. If desired, the semi-aromaticpolyester may also comprise one or more components selected from (C) and(D), wherein (C) is a component selected from:

-   -   (c1) at least one dihydroxy compound comprising ether functions        and having the formula:

HO—[(CH2)n-O]m-H  (I),

where n is 2, 3 or 4 and m is a whole number from 2 to 250,

-   -   (c2) at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid of the formula IIa or        IIb:

-   -   where p is a whole number from 1 to 1500 and r is a whole number        from 1 to 4, and G is a radical selected from the group        consisting of phenylene, (CH₂)_(q-), where q is a whole number        from 1 to 5, —C(R)H and —C(R)HCH₂, where R is methyl or ethyl,    -   (c3) at least one amino-C2-C12 alkanol, or at least one        amino-C5-C10 cycloalkanol, or a mixture of these,    -   (c4) at least one diamino-C1-C8 alkane,    -   (c5) at least one 2,2′-bisoxazoline of the formula III:

-   -   -   where R¹ is a single bond, a (CH2)z-alkylene group, where            z=2, 3, or 4, or a phenylene group,

    -   (c6) at least one aminocarboxylic acid selected from the group        consisting of the naturally occurring amino acids, polyamides        obtainable by poly condensing a dicarboxylic acid having from 4        to 6 carbon atoms with a diamine having from 4 to 10 carbon        atoms, compounds of the formulae IVa and IVb:

-   -   where s is a whole number from 1 to 1500 and t is a whole number        from 1 to 4, and T is a radical selected from the group        consisting of phenylene, (CH₂)_(u-), where u is a whole number        from 1 to 12, C(R2)H and C(R2)HCH2, where R2 is methyl or ethyl,        and polyoxazolines having the repeat unit V:

-   -   where R³ is hydrogen, C1-C6-alkyl, C5-C8-cycloalkyl, phenyl,        either unsubstituted or with up to three C1-C4-alkyl        substituents, or tetrahydrofuryl,    -   or a mixture composed of (c1) to (c6),    -   and wherein    -   (D) is a component selected from    -   (d1) at least one compound having at least three groups capable        of ester formation,    -   (d2) at least one isocyanate,    -   (d3) at least one divinyl ether,    -   or a mixture composed of (d1) to (d3).

The acid component A of the semiaromatic polyesters may comprise from 30to 70 mol %, in particular from 40 to 60 mol %, of a1, and from 30 to 70mol %, in particular from 40 to 60 mol %, of a2.

Aliphatic acids and the corresponding derivatives a1 which may be usedare generally those having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms. They may be eitherlinear or branched. The cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acids are generallythose having from 7 to 10 carbon atoms and, in particular, those having8 carbon atoms. In principle, however, it is also possible to usedicarboxylic acids having a larger number of carbon atoms, for example,having up to 30 carbon atoms. Examples include, without limitation:malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, 2 methylglutaric acid,3-methylglutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, azelaic acid, sebacicacid, fumaric acid, 2,2-dimethylglutaric acid, suberic acid,1,3-cyclopentane-′dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid,1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, diglycolic acid, itaconic acid, maleicacid, brassylic acid, and 2,5-norbornanedicarboxylic acid. Ester-formingderivatives of the abovementioned aliphatic or cycloaliphaticdicarboxylic acids which may also be used and which may be mentioned arein particular the di-C1-C6-alkyl esters, such as dimethyl, diethyl,di-n-propyl, diisopropyl, di-n-butyl, diisobutyl, di-tert-butyl,di-n-pentyl, diisopentyl or di-n-hexyl esters. It is also possible touse anhydrides of the dicarboxylic acids.

Dicarboxylic acids or their ester-forming derivatives may be usedindividually or in the form of a mixture composed of two or more ofthese.

In another embodiment, succinic acid, adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacicacid, brassylic acid, or respective ester-forming derivatives thereof,or a mixture of these may be used. Aliphatic dicarboxylic acid maycomprise sebacic acid or a mixture of sebacic acid with adipic acid, ifpolymer mixtures with “hard” or “brittle” components for examplepolyhydroxybutyrate or in particular polylactide, are prepared. Inanother embodiment, the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid may comprisesuccinic acid or a mixture of succinic acid with adipic acid if polymermixtures with “soft” or “tough” components, for example,polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate, are prepared.

A further advantage of succinic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, andbrassylic acid is that they are accessible renewable raw materials.

Aromatic dicarboxylic acids a2 which may be mentioned are generallythose having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms and preferably those having 8carbon atoms. By way of example, mention may be made of terephthalicacid, isophthalic acid, 2,6-naphthoic acid and 1,5-naphthoic acid, andalso ester-forming derivatives of these. Particular mention may be madehere of the di-C l-C6-alkyl esters, e.g. dimethyl, diethyl, di-n-propyl,diisopropyl, di-n-butyl, diisobutyl, di-tert-butyl, di-n-pentyl,diisopentyl, or di n-hexyl esters. The anhydrides of the dicarboxylicacids a2 are also suitable ester-forming derivatives.

However, in principle, it is also possible to use aromatic dicarboxylicacids (a2) having a greater number of carbon atoms, for example up to 20carbon atoms.

The aromatic dicarboxylic acids or ester-forming derivatives of these(a2) may be used individually or as a mixture of two or more of these.

A compound comprising sulfonate groups (a3) is usually one of the alkalimetal or alkaline earth metal salts of a sulfonate-containingdicarboxylic acid or ester-forming derivatives thereof, such as alkalimetal salts of 5-sulfoisophthalic acid or a mixture of these.

In one embodiment, the acid component A comprises from 40 to 60 mol % ofa1, from 40 to 60 mol % of a2 and from 0 to 2 mol % of a3. In anotherembodiment, the acid component A comprises from 40 to 59.9 mol % of a1,from 40 to 59.9 mol % of a2, and from 0.1 to 1 mol % of a3, inparticular, from 40 to 59.8 mol % of a1, from 40 to 59.8 mol % of a2,and from 0.2 to 0.5 mol % of a3.

Diols B are generally selected from the group consisting of branched orlinear alkanediols having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms, or from the groupconsisting of cycloalkanediols having from 5 to 10 carbon atoms.Examples of alkanediols are ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol,1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol,2,4-dimethyl-2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol,2-ethyl-2-butyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-ethyl-2-isobutyl-1,3-propanediol and2,2,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexanediol, in particular ethylene glycol,1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol or 2,2-dimethy 1-1, 3-propanediol(neopentyl glycol); cyclopentanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanediol,1,2-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol,1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol or 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol.Particular preference is given to 1,4-butanediol, in particular incombination with adipic acid as component (a1), and 1,3-propanediol, inparticular in combination with sebacic acid as component (a1). Anotheradvantage of 1,3-propanediol is that it is an available renewable rawmaterial. It is also possible to use mixtures of different alkanediols.

Depending on whether an excess of acid groups or of OH end groups isdesired, either component A or component B may be used in excess. In onepreferred embodiment, the molar ratio of the components A and B used maybe from 0.4:1 to 1.5:1, preferably from 0.6:1 to 1.1:1.

Besides components A and B, the polyesters may comprise othercomponents.

Dihydroxy compounds (c1) which may be used are diethylene glycol,triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol andpolytetrahydrofuran (polyTHF), particularly preferably diethyleneglycol, triethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol, and mixtures ofthese may also be used, as may compounds which have different variablesn (see formula I), for example polyethylene glycol which comprisespropylene units (n=3), obtainable, for example, by using methods ofpolymerization known per se and polymerizing first with ethylene oxideand then with propylene oxide, and particularly preferably a polymerbased on polyethylene glycol with different variables n, where unitsformed from ethylene oxide predominate. The molar mass (Mn) of thepolyethylene glycol is generally selected within the range from 250 to8000 g/mol, preferably from 600 to 3000 g/mol.

In one embodiment for preparing the semi-aromatic polyesters use may bemade, for example, of from 15 to 98 mol %, preferably from 60 to 99.5mol %, of the diols B and from 2 to 85 mol %, preferably from 0.5 to 40mol %, of the dihydroxy compounds (c1), based on the molar amount of Band (c1).

In one preferred embodiment, the hydroxycarboxylic acid (c2) used is:glycolic acid, D-, L-, or D,L-lactic acid, 6-hydroxyhexanoic acid,cyclic derivatives of these, such as glycolide (1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione),D- or L-dilactide (3,6-dimethyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione), p-hydroxybenzoicacid, or else their oligomers and polymers, such as 3-polyhydroxybutyricacid, polyhydroxyvaleric acid, polylactide (obtainable, for example, asNatureWorks® 4042D (NatureWorks) or else a mixture of 3-poly hydroxybutyric acid and polyhydroxyvaleric acid (obtainable from PHBIndustrial, Tianan, or Metabolix) and, for preparing semiaromaticpolyesters, particularly preferably the low-molecular-weight and cyclicderivatives thereof.

Examples of amounts that may be used of the hydroxycarboxylic acids arefrom 0.01 to 50% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 40% by weight, basedon the amount of A and B.

The amino-C2-C12 alkanol or amino-C5-C10 cycloalkanol used (componentc3) may include 4-aininomethyl̂cyclohexane-methanol, are preferablyamino-C2-C6 alkanols, such as 2-aminoethanol, 3-amino-propanol,4-aminobutanol, 5-aminopentanol or 6-aminohexanol, or else amino-05-C6cycloalkanols, such as aminocyclopentanol and aminocyclohexanol, ormixtures of these.

The diamino-C1-C8 alkanes (component c4) used are preferablydiamino-C4-C6 alkanes, such as 1,4-diaminobutane, 1,5-diaminopentane or1,6-diaminohexane (hexamethylenediamine, “HMD”).

In one embodiment for preparing the semiaromatic polyesters, use may bemade of from 0.5 to 99.5 mol %, preferably from 0.5 to 50 mol %, of(c3), based on the molar amount of B, and of from 0 to 50 mol %,preferably from 0 to 35 mol %, of (c4), based on the molar amount of B.

The 2,2′-bisoxazolines (c5) of the formula III are generally obtainablevia the process of Angew. Chem. Int. Edit., Vol. 11 (1972), pp. 287-288.Bisoxazolines are those where R1 is a single bond, (CH2)z-alkylene,where z=2, 3 or 4, for example methylene, ethane-1,2-diyl,propane-1,3-diyl or propane-1,2-diyl, or a phenylene group. Particularlypreferred bisoxazolines which may be mentioned are2,2′-bis(2-oxazoline), bis(2-oxazolinyl)methane,1,2-bis(2-oxazolinyl)ethane, 1,3-bis(2-oxazolinyl)propane and1,4-bis(2-oxazolinyl)butane, in particular 1,4-bis(2-oxazolinyl)benzene,1,2-bis(2-oxazolinyl)benzene or 1,3-bis(2-oxazolinyl)benzene.

In preparing the semiaromatic polyesters use may, for example, be madeof from 70 to 98 mol % of B, up to 30 mol % of (c3) and from 0.5 to 30mol % of (c4) and from 0.5 to 30 mol % of (c5), based in each case onthe total of the molar amounts of components B, c3, c4 and c5. Inanother embodiment, use may be made of from 0.1 to 5% by weight,preferably from 0.2 to 4% by weight, of (c5), based on the total weightof A and B.

The component (c6) used may be naturally occurring aminocarboxylicacids. These include valine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine, methionine,phenylalanine, tryptophan, lysine, alanine, arginine, aspartamic acid,cysteine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, proline, serine, tyrosine,asparagine and glutamine.

Preferred aminocarboxylic acids of the formulae IVa and IVb are thosewhere s is a whole number from 1 to 1000 and t is a whole number from 1to 4, preferably 1 or 2, and t has been selected from the groupconsisting of phenylene and —(CH2)u-, where u is 1, 5, or 12.

(c6) may also be a polyoxazoline of the formula V. However, (c6) mayalso be a mixture of different aminocarboxylic acids and/orpolyoxazolines.

In one embodiment, the amount of (c6) used may be from 0.01 to 50% byweight, preferably from 0.1 to 40% by weight, based on the total amountof components A and B.

Among other components which may be used, if desired, for preparing thesemiaromatic polyesters are compounds (d1) which comprise at least threegroups capable of ester formation.

The compounds (d1) may comprise from three to ten functional groupswhich are capable of developing ester bonds. Particularly preferredcompounds (d1) have from three to six functional groups of this type inthe molecule, in particular, from three to six hydroxy groups and/orcarboxy groups. Examples which should be mentioned are: tartaric acid,citric acid, maleic acid; trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane;pentaerythritol; polyethertriols; glycerol; trimesic acid; trimelliticacid, trimellitic anhydride; pyromellitic acid, pyromelliticdianhydride, and hydroxyisophthalic acid.

The amounts generally used of the compounds (d1) are from 0.01 to 15 mol%, preferably from 0.05 to 10 mol %, particularly preferably from 0.1 to4 mol %, based on component A.

Components (d2) used are an isocyanate or a mixture of differentisocyanates. Aromatic or aliphatic diisocyanates may be used. However,higher-functionality isocyanates may also be used. Aromatic diisocyanated2 is especially tolylene 2,4-diisocyanate, tolylene 2,6-diisocyanate,diphenylmethane 2,2′-diisocyanate, diphenylmethane 2,4′-diisocyanate,diphenylmethane 4,4′-diisocyanate, naphthylene 1,5-diisocyanate orxylylene diisocyanate. By way of example, it is possible to use theisocyanates obtainable as Basonat® from BASF SE.

Among these, particular preference is given to diphenylmethane 2,2′-,2,4′- and 4,4′-diisocyanate as component (d2). The latter diisocyanatesare generally used as a mixture.

A three-ring isocyanate (d2) which may also be used istri(4-isocyanophenyl)methane. Multi-ringed aromatic diisocyanates ariseduring the preparation of single- or two-ring diisocyanates, forexample.

Component (d2) may also comprise subordinate amounts, e.g. up to 5% byweight, based on the total weight of component (d2), of uretdionegroups, for example, for capping the isocyanate groups.

Aliphatic diisocyanate (d2) is primarily a linear or branched alkylenediisocyanate or cycloalkylene diisocyanate having from 2 to 20 carbonatoms, preferably from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, e.g. hexamethylene1,6-diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, ormethylenebis(4-isocyanatocyclohexane). Hexamethylene 1,6-diisocyanateand isophorone diisocyanate are particularly preferred aliphaticdiisocyanates (d2).

Among the preferred isocyanurates are the aliphatic isocyanurates whichderive from C2-C20, preferably C3-C12, cycloalkylene diisocyanates oralkylene diisocyanates, e.g. isophorone diisocyanate ormethylenebis(4-isocyanatocyclohexane). The alkylene diisocyanates heremay be either linear or branched. Particular preference is given toisocyanurates based on n-hexamethylene diisocyanate, for example, cyclictrimers, pentamers, or higher oligomers of n-hexamethylene diisocyanate.

The amounts generally used of component (d2) are from 0.01 to 5 mol %,preferably from 0.05 to 4 mol %, particularly preferably from 0.1 to 4mol %, based on the total of the molar amounts of A and B.

Divinyl ethers (d3) which may be used are generally any of the customaryand commercially available divinyl ethers. Preference is given to theuse of 1,4-butanediol divinyl ethers, 1,6-hexanediol divinyl ethers or1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol divinyl ethers or a mixture of these.

The amounts of the divinyl ethers preferably used are from 0.01 to 5% byweight, especially from 0.2 to 4% by weight, based on the total weightof A and B.

Examples of semiaromatic polyesters are based on the followingcomponents: A, B, d1; A, B, d2; A, B, d1, d2; A, B, d3; A, B, c1; A, B,c1, d3; A, B, c3, c4; A, B, c3, c4, c5; A, B, d1, c3, c5; A, B, c3, d3;A, B, c3, d1; A, B, c1, c3, d3; or A, B, c2. Among these, particularpreference is given to semiaromatic polyesters based on A, B and d1, orA, B and d2, or on A, B, d1 and d2. In another preferred embodiment, thesemiaromatic polyesters are based on A, B, c3, c4 and c5 or A, B, d1, c3and c5.

While the polyester polymer according to the above disclosure is abiodegradable polyester polymer, it is understood that the polyesterpolymer may be non-biodegradable without departing from the scope ofthis disclosure.

In one suitable example, the carrier material comprises both apolysaccharide material, such as a cellulosic material, and athermoplastic material, such as a polyester. For example, in such anembodiment the thermoplastic material may comprise about 20 to about 40weight %, 20 to about 60 weight %, or 20 to about 80 weight % of thebait matrix 124.

Some suitable compositions of the conductive bait matrix 1400 are shownin Table 1a:

TABLE 1a Thermoplastic Cellulose Graphite Polyester 75 5 20 70 10 20 6515 20 65 5 30 60 10 30 55 15 30 55 5 40 50 10 40 45 5 50 45 15 40 40 1050 35 15 50 35 5 60 30 10 60 25 15 60

Some suitable compositions of the non-conductive bait matrix 1402 areshown in Table 1b:

TABLE 1b Thermoplastic Cellulose Polyester 80 20 70 30 65 35 60 40 55 4550 50 45 55 40 60 35 65 30 70 25 75 20 80

It is understood that other suitable manufacturing processes are alsocontemplated for combining the carrier material such as, withoutlimitation, coextrusion, compaction, immersion, molding, suspension andthe like.

One method for making a workpiece includes:

-   -   (1) providing a mixture of        -   a. a softened or molten thermoplastic polymer having a            softening or melting point below about 220° C.        -   b. a phagostimulant material (i.e. a material to increase            palatability of the matrix for consumptive purposes, which            may be “digestible”            -   or “nutritive”, but need not offer such benefit) for the                target pest; and        -   c. a material comprising conductive and/or phagostimulatory            particles;    -   (2) forming the mixture to provide a workpiece having a desired        shape; and    -   (3) cooling the workpiece to a temperature below the softening        or melting point of the plastic to provide a solid composite        article.

One workpiece preferably is or comprises the conductive bait matrix1400.

Another method for making a workpiece includes:

-   -   (1) providing a mixture of        -   a. a softened or molten thermoplastic polymer having a            softening or melting point below about 220° C.        -   b. a phagostimulant material (i.e. “digestible” or            “nutritive” component) for the target pest and        -   c. optionally further components    -   (2) forming the mixture to provide a workpiece having a desired        shape; and    -   (3) cooling the workpiece to a temperature below the softening        or melting point of the plastic to provide a solid composite        article.

Another suitable workpiece is or comprises the non-conductive baitmatrix 1402.

As used herein, the term “molten” is intended to refer to a state of athermoplastic material in which the material is fully melted, partiallymelted, or sufficiently softened or tacky that the polymer can beformed, for example, by extrusion or molding and then cooling, into aplastic matrix. Similarly, the term “melting point” as used herein isintended to refer to the temperature at which a given material, polymeror mixture of polymers melts, softens or becomes tacky, and encompassesthe glass transition temperature for amorphous polymers. A personskilled in the art will appreciate that the melting point of a givenmaterial, polymer or mixture of polymers can be modified by contactingthe material, polymer or mixture of polymers with certain solventsand/or other additives. In one embodiment, the workpiece is formed byextrusion.

To make a solid composite article in accordance with one embodiment, amixture of a granular or particulate thermoplastic polymer, aphagostimulant material for the target pest and a material comprising aplurality of conductive and/or phagostimulatory particles is provided,and the mixture is then compounded to mix the components, and extrudedor molded at a predetermined temperature and pressure. In a suitableembodiment, a combination of graphite and polymer are phagostimulatory,as opposed to the polymer alone. The polymer, the phagostimulantmaterial and the material comprising a plurality of phagostimulatoryparticles can be combined using standard mixing or compoundingtechniques to mix the components and drive off excess moisture. Forexample, the materials can be mixed in a rotational mixer or compoundingextruder. Heat is applied if needed to bring the mixture to atemperature sufficiently high to make the thermoplastic polymer pliableor plastic and therefore suitable for shaping, such as by extrusion. Inone embodiment, the temperature is at least as high as the melting pointof the polymer. In another embodiment, the temperature is at least ashigh as the glass transition temperature of the polymer.

One skilled in the art will recognize that higher temperatures may beneeded, and that the processing temperature may be optimized to allowthe polymer to be processed as long as the temperature is not raised toa point that results in substantial harm to other components of thecomposite, such as, for example, charring the digestible or nutritivematerial. A person of ordinary skill in the art will also understandthat the inclusion of a solvent in the mixture can modify the softeningtemperature of the thermoplastic material. In embodiments in which asolvent is present, it is understood that softening at the surface of apolymer, as modified by the solvent, might begin at a temperature thatis lower than the natural melting point of the polymer in the absence ofthe solvent. In other words, temperatures below the natural meltingpoint of the polymer may be suitable molding temperatures in embodimentsin which the solvent is effective to soften the surface of the polymerat a temperature below its natural melting point.

A wide variety of extrusion or molding techniques can be used, manyexamples of which are known in the art. While it is not intended thatthe present application be limited by any theory, it is believed that,under extrusion or molding conditions applied in methods describedherein, the polymer granules become softened, tacky or fully melted.When this occurs, pressure exerted upon the mixture causes softenedpolymer granules to contact one another and adhere together or causesthe polymer to fully melt, whereby the molten polymer forms a continuousphase in the mixture. The temperature at which the compression isapplied is a temperature high enough to achieve a desired level ofpolymer particle adhesion or polymer melting. It is understood that awide variety of material specifications (such as polymer type, polymersize, granule size distribution and ratio of ingredients) and also awide variety of process parameters (such as temperature and pressure)can be used to provide articles having various advantageouscharacteristics. It is within the ability of a skilled person, armedwith the description of the present application, to select, withoutundue experimentation, advantageous combinations of materials andparameters to provide articles having differing amounts of conductiveparticles, different levels of palatability, and different physicalproperties for use as an effective bait matrix in the system asdescribed.

In one manner of practicing the method, the molten mixture is providedby mixing the polymer, the phagostimulant (i.e. digestive or nutritive)material and the material comprising a plurality of conductive and/orphagostimulatory particles to form a mixture and then compounding saidmixture under elevated pressure and temperature to form a moltenmaterial.

In another manner of practicing the method, the method includes formingpellets or flakes of the mixture prior to compounding.

In one manner of making the workpiece, all of the components are mixedtogether and then the mixture is heated above the melting point of thethermoplastic polymer included therein, e.g. up to about 220 degreescentigrade in some embodiments, in a device, such as a twin screw mixer,that is capable of additional mixing followed by extrusion through adie, which imparts a specific cross-sectional profile to the compositematerial, and then cooling in a water bath or spray.

In another manner of forming the workpiece, the polymer, thephagostimulant material and the material comprising a plurality ofconductive and/or phagostimulatory particles are combined within anextruder under positive pressure and at elevated temperature and arethereafter extruded to provide an elongated workpiece.

In another manner of forming the workpiece, the thermoplastic polymerand the material comprising a plurality of conductive and/orphagostimulatory particles are individually but simultaneously fedupstream into the extruder and the phagostimulant material is addeddownstream into the extruder.

In another manner of forming the workpiece, the thermoplastic polymer,the material comprising a plurality of conductive and/orphagostimulatory particles, and the phagostimulant material areindividually but simultaneously fed into the extruder.

It is to be understood that suitable workpieces can be manufactured bythe manners of forming the workpiece described above also without thematerial comprising a plurality of conductive and/or phagostimulatoryparticles.

In one preferred embodiment, the surface of the finished workpiece isstructurally inhomogeneous on a mm to cm scale. In one embodiment, thesurface comprises a plurality of cavities of a width from 0.1 mm to 100mm, from 1 mm to 50 mm, from 1 mm to 20 mm, and a depth from 0.1 mm to10 mm, from 1 mm to 5 mm, from 1 mm to 3 mm. The cavities can be of anyshape. The cavities can be interconnected with or separated from eachother. Individual cavities on the same workpiece can be different insize and shape.

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary bait matrix 124 having a structurallyinhomogeneous surface.

In one embodiment, one or more of the parameters of the extrusionprocess like for example temperature, duration, extrusion velocity,extrusion additives, post-extrusion treatment and the like are chosen sothat the surface of the extruded workpiece comprises separated orinterconnected cavities of 0.1 mm to 20 mm width and 0.1 mm to 5 mmdepth.

The skilled person is knowledgeable as to which parameters of theextrusion process produce imperfect/structurally inhomogeneous surfacesof a workpiece. For example, a structurally inhomogeneous surface can beproduced by applying extrusion temperatures of at most Tm+80° C. orTm+70° C. or Tm+60° C., Tm being the extruded thermoplastic semicrystalline polymer's melting temperature.

The cooling can be achieved, for example, by applying a water bath tothe workpiece or by spraying the workpiece with water.

In another embodiment, the surface of the finished workpiece isstructurally homogeneous, i.e. does show few or no cavities in the mm tocm scale.

FIG. 15 is a cross-section of one suitable embodiment of the bait matrix124. As is readily seen, the phagostimulatory or non-soluble biomarker(illustrated schematically as circles 1600) and carrier materialparticles (illustrated schematically as squares 1602) are randomlyinterspersed throughout both the thickness and the height of the baitmatrix 124.

As shown in FIG. 16, in another contemplated embodiment of the baitmatrix 124, the bait matrix 124 may be formed by a process ofco-extrusion such that the bait matrix 124 has a plurality of distinctlayers 1700. In such an embodiment, a layer of electrically conductiveparticles 1600 would be extruded simultaneous to a layer of carriermaterial particles 1602 such that the layer of carrier materialparticles 1602 cover an outer surface of the layer of electricallyconductive particles 1600. Optionally, the layer of electricallyconductive particles 1600 may be sandwiched between layers of carriermaterial particles 1602.

Examples—Termite Preference for Particular Bait Matrix Compounds Example1—Termite Preference for Graphite (Conductive Bait Matrix)

Arenas consisted of 100 mm×20 mm polystyrene dishes filled (ca. 5 mmdepth) with QuickStone® Laboratory Stone (Whip Mix Corp., LouisvilleKy.) mixed as per the manufacturer's instructions. The QuickStone®Laboratory Stone was cured for 24 hours (h) prior to use. For initialhydration, 5 ml purified water was added to each arena and excess waterwas poured off after 2 h. The surface was then lightly blotted.Uniformly sized bait sections from two different bait matrixcompositions comprising Ecoflex® and graphite or Ecoflex® and nographite, approximately 1.0×1.0×0.5 cm (10 replicates of eachcomposition), were weighed and placed individually into plastic weighdishes (4 cm×4 cm, with openings cut into opposite sidewalls for termiteaccess). A non-nutritive 5% agar plug (ca. 0.5 cm×1.0 cm) was added toeach arena as a water source. Agar plugs were replaced every 3-4 days(d) and approximately 0.25 ml purified water was added to the surface ofeach arena every 4 d. About one hundred termites (workers andapproximately 10% soldiers, determined by weight) were transferred intoeach arena. The assay was maintained at 27° C. and 80% RH. After twoweeks, bait samples were removed from arenas and oven dried at 110° F.for approximately 24 h. The baits were weighed and the differences inpre and post weights, resulting from bait removal by termites, werecompared as an indicator of bait acceptance. Bait removal resulted froma combination of consumption, provisioning (feeding of soldiers byworkers), and the application of bait to the surfaces of the arena.

Conclusions

As shown by the data in Table 2, matrix acceptance of Ecoflex®containing graphite was significantly greater than that of Ecoflex®which contained no graphite.

TABLE 2 Comparative consumption data for the “conductive portion of theassembly” (“KA”, which includes a mixture of ecoflex ®, Lattice ® NT 100(a form of microcrystalline cellulose) and graphite (Asbury ® 4848)) and“non-conductive portion of the assembly” (“HW”, which includes ecoflex ®and Lattice ® NT 100 (a form of microcrystalline cellulose)). Acceptanceof KA was significantly greater than that of HW in the no choice assay(t test, 0.05% level). Single dish, no choice KA - ecoflex ® (graphite)HW - ecoflex ® (no graphite) Rep pre post A (g) Rep pre post A (g) 10.6313 0.5615 0.0698 1 0.8213 0.7801 0.0412 2 0.6964 0.582 0.1144 20.8989 0.8814 0.0175 3 0.7273 0.6462 0.0811 3 0.7233 0.6849 0.0384 40.6752 0.5329 0.1423 4 0.7364 0.688 0.0484 5 0.6911 0.6017 0.0894 50.8481 0.8257 0.0224 6 0.6775 0.6331 0.0444 6 0.6539 0.6247 0.0292 70.6643 0.5994 0.0649 7 0.7415 0.701 0.0405 8 0.6951 0.6157 0.0794 80.7382 0.6934 0.0448 9 0.5989 0.5058 0.0931 9 0.8413 0.7896 0.0517 100.6214 0.5787 0.0427 10 0.6687 0.6228 0.0459 Avg.→ 0.08215 0.038

Example 2—Termite Preference for Ecoflex® Material

Objective: To determine whether Formosan subterranean termites,Coptotermes formosanus, and eastern subterranean termites,Reticulitermes flavipes had a preference for particular bait matricescomponents three prototype bait matrices as set forth in Table 3, werepresented to the termites via no choice and single-dish choicemethodologies.

TABLE 3 Prototype matrices evaluated for acceptance by C. formosanus andR. flavipes CAB CAP ecoflex ® CE 24647 (CAB) CE 26627 (CAP) ecoflex ® FBlend X % X % X % NT 100 Y % NT 100 Y % NT 100 Y % Graphite Z % GraphiteZ % Graphite Z % NT 100 = Lattice ® NT 100 Graphite used was Asbury ®4848

Equal percentages (X %) of Ecoflex®, CAB and CAP were used in eachrespective type of bait sample and combined with the same percentages ofNT 100 (Y %) and graphite (Z %) where X, Y and Z each represent aspecific percentage of the bait composition and are consistent betweenthe samples, e.g. X % is the same between bait samples (Ecoflex®, CABand CAP). In one suitable embodiment, the value of X is 35, the value ofY is 55, and the value of Z is 10.

No Choice Assay Test:

Arenas consisted of 100 mm×20 mm polystyrene dishes filled (ca. 5 mmdepth) with QuickStone® Laboratory Stone (Whip Mix Corp., LouisvilleKy.) mixed as per the manufacturer's instructions. The QuickStone® wascured for 24 hours (h) prior to use. For initial hydration, 5 mlpurified water was added to each arena and excess water was poured offafter 2 h. The surface was then lightly blotted. Uniformly sized baitsections (10 replicates) or pine sections (4 replicates) were weighedand placed individually into plastic weigh dishes (4 cm×4 cm, withopenings cut into opposite sidewalls for termite access). Anon-nutritive 5% agar plug (ca. 0.5 cm×1.0 cm) was added to each arenaas a water source. Agar plugs were replaced every 3-4 days (d) andapproximately 0.25 ml purified water was added to the surface of eacharena every 4 d. One hundred termites (workers and approximately 10%soldiers, determined by weight) were transferred into each arena. Theassay was maintained at 27° C. and 80% relative humidity. After twoweeks, bait/pine samples were removed from arenas and oven dried at 110°F. for approximately 24 h. The baits were weighed and the differences inpre and post weights, resulting from bait removal by termites, werecompared as an indicator of bait acceptance. Bait removal resulted froma combination of consumption, provisioning (feeding of soldiers byworkers), and the application of bait to the surfaces of the arena.

Single-Dish Choice Assay Test:

The single-dish choice replicates (three) were included to determine iftermites would accept/consume the bait in the presence of wood. The samemethod was followed as was described for the no choice assay with theaddition to the arena of a section of wood.

Results

General observations: For the duration of the evaluation, termites ofboth species were observed walking and aggregating on the threeprototype baits. After 48 h, bait (marked with graphite) was visiblethrough the body wall in most termites in all arenas. Two weeks afterinfestation, there appeared to be more bait visible in termites in theEcoflex® arenas compared to those in the CAB and CAP arenas.

Coptotermes formosanus (Table 4)

No Choice Assay:

Bait acceptance, as indicated by the amount of material removed from thesubsample, of Ecoflex® was significantly greater than that of CAB, CAP,and pine.

Acceptance of CAP was significantly lower than that of Ecoflex®, CAB,and pine.

There was no significant difference between acceptance of CAB and pine.

Single-Dish Choice Assay:

Termites removed more Ecoflex® (59.37 mg) compared to pine (20.97 mg).Termites removed less CAB (0.83 mg) compared to pine (56.43 mg).

Termites removed less CAP (0.93 mg) compared to pine (41.60 mg).

Reticulitermes flavipes (Table 4)

No Choice Assay:

There were no significant differences in the acceptance of Ecoflex®,CAB, and pine.

Acceptance of CAP was significantly lower than that of Ecoflex®, CAB,and pine.

Single-Dish Choice Assay:

Termites removed more Ecoflex® (66.63 mg) compared to pine (11.03 mg).

Termites removed less CAB (35.37 mg) compared to pine (59.17 mg).

Termites removed less CAP (11.83 mg) compared to pine (74.30 mg).

Conclusions

Ecoflex® was readily accepted by Formosan subterranean termites,Coptotermes formosanus, and eastern subterranean termites,Reticulitermes flavipes in both no choice and single-dish choice (baitand pine) laboratory methodologies.

Bait acceptance of CAP (containing CE polymer 26627) was significantlylower than Ecoflex® and CAB (containing CE polymer 24647) in the nochoice assay.

Bait acceptance of CAB and CAP was greatly reduced when paired with apine food source in a single-dish choice laboratory assay.

Bait acceptance of Ecoflex® was greater than that of a pine food sourcein a single-dish choice laboratory assay.

TABLE 4 Acceptance¹ of three prototype TrelonaTM MY Termite Baitmatrices, ecoflex ® (thermoplastic material = ecoflex ®), CAB(thermoplastic material = CAB), and CAP (thermoplastic material = CAP)by Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus, and easternsubterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes. Avg.³ weight change (mg)14 d post infestation C. R. Arena Treatment² formosanus flavipes Nochoice KA(ecoflex ®)  77.48 A  64.18 A KG(CAB)  42.48 B  55.82 A HV(CAP) 16.92 C  21.22 B Wood (pine)  44.20 B  63.73 A Single-dish KA(ecoflex ®) 59.37 66.63 choice Wood (pine) 20.97 11.03 KG (CAB)  0.8335.37 Wood(pine) 56.43 59.17 HV (CAP)  0.93 11.83 Wood(pine) 41.60 74.30¹Acceptance is determined by the change in bait weight resulting fromthe removal of bait by consumption, provisioning (feeding of soldiers byworkers), and the application of bait to the surfaces of the arena.²Table 3 summarizes the general composition. ³Average of 10 replicatesof no choice ecoflex ®, Cab and CAP; ⁴ replicates of no choice pine, 3replicates of single-dish choice. Values followed by the same letter arenot significantly different at the 0.05% level, means separated byTukey's HSD. Assay initiated on 1 Sept. 2015, C. Leichter NB 33587 p.96.

Example 3

Additional preference for an Ecoflex® bait matrix is shown in the dataset forth in Table 5 below. Three types of bait matrix compositions wereexposed to Coptotermes formosanus for four weeks in a field study. Thethree baits used were a) a mixture of cellulose (Y %), cellulose acetatepropionate CAP (X %), and graphite (Z %), b) a mixture of cellulose (Y%), Ecoflex® (X %), and graphite (Z %) and c) a mixture of cellulose (Y%), cellulose acetate butyrate CAB (X %), and graphite (Z %)—where X, Yand Z each represent a specific percentage of the bait composition andare consistent between the samples, e.g. X % is the same between baita), b) and c). Replicates of the three different baits were placed inbuckets in the ground and colonies of termites were allowed to feed onthem for a period of thirty days. An estimated number of termitesintroduced to the buckets were provided at the beginning and anestimated number of termites remaining in the buckets was provided atthe completion of the study. Some buckets contained multiple baitmatrices as shown in the table below. Other buckets contained individualmatrices. Buckets 3-6 were placed near each other surrounding the samelocation (a tree) and buckets 7-10 were placed near each othersurrounding the same location (a second tree). Following the thirty dayperiod, the baits were removed from the buckets and consumption wasobserved, rated and baits were then weighed.

Conclusion:

the termites showed a clear preference for Bait (b)—the Ecoflex® blendover the Bait (a)—the CAP blend and Bait (c)—the CAB blend regardless ofcolony size and whether the baits were presented individually or incombination with one another.

TABLE 5 Preference data from field trial comparing termite preferencefor (a) CAP blend bait, (b) an ecoflex ® blend bait, and (c) a CAB blendbait after 30 days consumption. Preference Field Trials InstallationFinal % Bait Estimated # Bucket weight Weight Consump- Termites at #Treatment (g) (g) tion Install/com  1* Bait (b) 202.1 144.6 28.45 5000/3,000 Bait (b) 202.0 144 28.71 Bait (b) 200.5 126.8 36.76 Bait (b)200.6 136.1 32.15 Bait (a) 204.0 218 −6.86 Bait (a) 199.9 214.8 −7.45Bait (c) 213.9 227.9 −6.55 Bait (c) 209.8 222.7 −6.15 Bait (b) 200.418.6 90.72 15,000/10,000 Bait (b) 200.4 17.9 91.07 Bait (b) 202.8 19.190.58 Bait (b) 199.2 18.6 90.66 Bait (a) 202.3 218.2 −7.86 Bait (a)202.6 220.6 −8.88 Bait (c) 205.5 221 −7.54 Bait (c) 209.5 223.2 −6.54 3Bait (b) 201.0 5.6 97.21 100/200 4 Bait (b) 204.7 18 91.21 200/300 5Bait (a) 204.1 222.3 −8.92 200/0  6 Bait (c) 211.1 215.4 −2.04 150/100 7Bait (b) 200.0 14.3 92.85 100/500 8 Bait (b) 201.3 62.2 69.10  50/400 9Bait (a) 205.4 217.9 −6.09 300/0  10  Bait (c) 208.2 217.6 −4.51  50/150*Bucket 1 and its contents were noted to be very wet upon the completionof the study.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising,” “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements as various changes could be made in the above constructionswithout departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended thatall matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

1. A pest monitoring system comprising a circuit, wherein the circuit isinitially in a first impedance state that is configured to change to asecond impedance state due to pest activity, wherein the secondimpedance state is lower than the first impedance state.
 2. The pestmonitoring system of claim 1, wherein the circuit comprises: a firstelectrode having a first electrical potential; a second electrode thatis not initially in contact with the first electrode, the secondelectrode used in combination with the first electrode to sense pestactivity.
 3. The pest monitoring system of claim 2, further comprisingbait matrix positioned adjacent to the circuit.
 4. The pest monitoringsystem of claim 3, wherein the bait matrix at least partially surroundsthe first and second electrodes.
 5. The pest monitoring system of claim2, wherein one of a) material deposited by pests exploiting the baitmatrix and b) moisture intrusion creates a measurable impedance betweenthe first and second electrodes to cause the open circuit to become aclosed circuit.
 6. The pest monitoring system of claim 5, wherein achange in impedance between the first and second electrodes creates ameasurable electrical characteristic that, when present, indicatesexploitation of the bait matrix by pests.
 7. The pest monitoring systemof claim 3, further comprising a waterproof member positioned betweenthe bait matrix and the first and second electrodes, the waterproofmember configured to prevent moisture intrusion to the first and secondelectrodes prior to a presence of pest activity.
 8. The pest monitoringsystem of claim 2, further comprising a non-conductive gap formed of anelectrically insulating material and configured to: provide a base towhich the first and second electrodes are attached; facilitate properpositioning of the first and second electrodes; and prevent the firstand second electrodes from contacting one another.
 9. The pestmonitoring system of claim 1, further comprising a control unitconfigured to create a first electrical signal in the first electrodevia the first terminal and monitor the second electrode via the secondterminal.
 10. The pest monitoring system of claim 9, wherein the controlunit is further configured to: measure an electrical characteristicbetween the first electrode and the second electrode; and determinewhether there is a presence of pests based on the measured electricalcharacteristic.
 11. A pest monitoring system comprising: a. one or morewaterproof stations comprising one or more circuits, wherein the one ormore circuits monitors impedance; b. one or more control units incommunication with the one or more circuits, wherein the one or morecontrol units detects any change in impedance and generates a signal; c.one or more gateways in communication with the one or more controlunits, wherein the one or more gateways receive the signal and serves asa packet forwarder to a network server; and d. one or more applicationplatforms to receive the signal and interpret the change in impedance asindicative of a pest presence.
 12. A pest monitoring system comprising acontrol unit that detects a change in impedance between two or moreelectrodes, wherein the control unit transmits one or more signalindicative of a change in potential across the two or more electrodes.13. The pest monitoring system of claim 12, further comprising awaterproof housing which holds the electrodes.
 14. The pest monitoringsystem of claim 12 wherein the signal is transmitted to a centraldevice.
 15. The pest monitoring system of claim 12, wherein the signalis transmitted to a data collection service.
 16. The pest monitoringsystem of claim 12, wherein the signal is transmitted to a cloud server.17. The pest monitoring system of claim 12, wherein the signal istransmitted to a home monitoring system.
 18. The pest monitoring systemof claim 12, wherein the signal is transmitted directly to a pestmanagement professional.